A consortium of organizations is researching prescribed fire as a tool to reduce wildfire fuels in the San Juan Islands. Studies indicate that fire occurred every 6–15 years before Euro-American contact, with the Coast Salish people using controlled burns to maintain ecosystems for food, medicine, and hunting. However, fire suppression and management changes have led to overstocked forests and high fuel loads, which provide increased wildfire risk.
The SJC Conservation Land Bank, Washington Department of Natural Resources (DNR), San Juan Islands Conservation District, Coast Salish Youth Coalition, Samish Department of Natural Resources, and Western Washington University are partnering on a project to explore how small, controlled burns can reduce excess fuels and support native species ecology.
Join us for an in-person community discussion on the use of prescribed fire as a tool to reduce wildfire risk and restore native ecosystems and to learn about upcoming micro-burn trials at San Juan Island’s Mount Grant Preserve. This is an opportunity to ask questions and share your thoughts on fire management in our islands.
The event will run from 6:30pm – 7:30pm on Thursday, March 13, at the San Juan Island Grange. Zoom option available. (https://us06web.zoom.us/j/82702950722 | Meeting ID: 827 0295)
Topics to be covered include:
- How prescribed fire reduces wildfire risk
- The role of fire in supporting native plant communities
- Safety measures and planning involved
- Indigenous fire stewardship and eco-cultural restoration
This is an opportunity to learn about upcoming micro-burn trials at Mount Grant Preserve, ask questions, and share your thoughts on fire management in our region.
More information about the project can be viewed on the Land Bank website: sjclandbank.org/forestresiliency-mount-grant-preserve. If you have further questions, please contact Doug McCutchen at (360) 370-7654 or email dougmc@sjclandbank.org.