Biodiversity Caribou Conservation planning Peatlands Wolverines

WCS Canada Comment: Proposal to modernize wildland fire management in Ontario

Palmer, L., Gobin, J. & Scrafford, M.

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WCS Canada's input on the discussion paper Modernizing Wildland Fire Management in Ontario.

Key points

There is an urgent need for modernized approaches to wildfire management.

• The role of boreal forests and peatlands in storing carbon and reducing wildfire risks needs greater emphasis. Peatlands act as fire refugia, which help preserve biodiversity and aid forest regeneration, and should be protected in wildfire management strategies.
• Forest management should focus on reducing wildfire risk by retaining mature forests, and protecting old-growth habitats that are crucial for wildlife like caribou and wolverine.
• The current proposal omits reference to the cumulative human impacts of increased timber harvest, extensive road building and habitat disturbance, as well as increased wildfires due to climate change, upon boreal wildlife.
• While the inclusion of Indigenous Knowledge and cultural burning is welcomed, we urge the creation of stronger governance structures that give Indigenous peoples decision-making authority, not just advisory roles.

We strongly recommend integrating climate and biodiversity considerations, protecting peatlands and wildlife, and empowering Indigenous decision-making as essential elements in the modernization of Ontario's wildfire management approach.

Recommended citation

Palmer, L., Gobin, J. & Scrafford, M. (2024). WCS Canada Comment: Proposal to modernize wildland fire management in Ontario. Wildlife Conservation Society Canada [WCS Canada]. https://wcscanada.org/resources/wcs-canada-comment-proposal-to-modernize-wildland-fire-management-in-ontario/