Grasslands area burned

For many years, it was thought all wildfires were destructive and we worked hard to suppress them. Scientists have since learned what Indigenous people have known for centuries: fire is a healthy part of grassland and forest ecosystems. Fire is a naturally occurring phenomenon that plays a role in overall health of grasslands. Fire reduces forest encroachment into grassy meadows, promotes new growth by adding nutrients to the soils and increases the grassland diversity.

Each year the total area of Prince Albert National Park that has been disturbed by both natural and prescribed fire is determined. This data is compared to historical records and is used to determine if the grassland is regenerating at a healthy rate.

Current fire management practices allow wildfires to burn within a contained area and focuses on protecting human life, cultural assets, and park infrastructure. Prescribed fires are carried out in many national parks to return this regenerative processes to forest and grassland ecosystems.