Prescribed Burn Plan 2017

Matador Prairie Protected Area Prescribed Burn Plan 2017

Prepared by

Glen Longpre & Michel Tremblay

For

Ministry of Parks, Culture & Sport – Parks Division

Matador Prairie Protected Area Prescribed Burn Plan Approvals 2017

The Matador Prairie Protected Area Prescribed Burn Plan 2017 has been reviewed and approved for implementation by:

Ministry of Parks, Culture and Sport Ministry of Environment Parks Division Wildfire Management Branch

______Signature Date Signature Date Dave Silversides Bud Sabean Park Manager Forest Protection Officer Sask. Landing Provincial Park Cypress Hills Fire Base

______Signature Date Signature Date Brant Seifert – Park Regional Director Rocky Purves – Fire Area Manager Southwest Park Region Prince Albert Fire Area

______Signature Date Signature Date Glen Longpre - Manager Scott Wasylenchuk Landscape Protection Unit Director of Wildfire Management Operations

______Signature Date Signature Date Paul Johnson Steve Roberts Executive Director of Operations Executive Director Wildfire Management Branch Ministry of Environment ______Signature Date Bob McEachern Executive Director Park Management Services Section

______Signature Date Jennifer Johnson Acting Deputy Minister Ministry Parks, Culture and Sport

i Executive Summary

Matador Prairie Protected Area (MPPA) is located approximately eight kilometers east of Saskatchewan Landing Provincial Park along the north side of the South Saskatchewan River Valley. The area has been protected under The Parks Act since the 1960’s and is recognized internationally for its ecological significance as an excellent example of late seral dry mixed prairie. The MPPA consists of three sections of park lands and has not been grazed or seen any natural disturbance on it in the past 45 years. Range assessments completed in 2016 by Parks Division are showing the plant community to be late seral and healthy, however there are a few sites in the protected area which have invasions of exotic plant species such as Poa pratensis (Kentucky bluegrass) and Bromus inermis (smooth bromegrass).

Dominant native vegetation growing on the MPPA is Agropyron dasystachyum (Northern Wheatgrass), A. smithii (Western Wheatgrass), and Koeleria cristata (Junegrass), with an understory of Carex eleocharis (Low Sedge), some Stipa viridula (Green Needlegrass), and a few forbs. In order to manage and control invasive exotic plant species utilizing natural processes, prescribed fire will be the primary management tool selected for the task. A secondary herbicide treatment will follow later in the season to control regrowth of the targeted invasive species. The area selected to be burned in approximately 130.38 hectares (approximately half section) and is located in the western central half of the protected area.

The goal of the MPPA Prescribed Burn 2017 is to maintain the ecological integrity of the native grassland within the burn area and to remove Kentucky bluegrass (KBG) residue to facilitate herbicide application and to promote species diversity of native grasslands.

The objectives of the burn are to employ prescribed fire and herbicides to reverse the encroachment of KBG into native grassland communities by 70% over the following three to five years and to reduce thatch cover by 90% in the KBG infested areas within the burn unit to promote the subsequent use of herbicides and to facilitate reestablishment of native forbs and grasses.

Fire equipment and qualified personnel for the burn will be provided by Parks Division and Wildfire Management Branch, Ministry of Environment. Firefighting personnel and equipment from other Ministries such as Government Relations, Emergency Management and Fire Safety and the University of Saskatchewan may also be utilized on this burn. There will be approximately 40 personnel directly involved with the implementation of this burn and a single command structure (Incident Command System) will be established to manage and coordinate burn. The burn will be managed and directed on-site by Parks Division overhead personnel.

It is estimated to take four days for completion of the prescribed burn including mop-up and patrol.

Contingency plans to address an escaped fire have been addressed and are included in the main body of this plan. Public and adjacent landowner notifications will be provided at least one week ii prior to the burn and again on the morning of the ignition. Notification to public will be provided through radio broadcast. On the morning of the burn local fire departments and the provincial burn control center will be notified by phone of a go / no go decision.

Public / stakeholder meetings will occur in early April of 2017, to ensure all impacted individuals have the opportunity for input and feedback.

Costs to complete the 2017 Matador Prairie Protected Area Prescribed Burn 2017 are calculated at $35,400.00. These costs represent direct expenditures for meals and accommodations, potable water, vehicle mileage, fuel for pumps / ignition, overtime and other associated costs.

Smoke management issues are addressed in the main body of the plan and all necessary precautions will be taken to mitigate health effects and smoke hazards in the affected area.

The Matador Prairie Protected Area Prescribed Burn 2017 has been assessed using the Parks Division Prescribed Burn Complexity Rating Analysis and it has been rated as a medium complexity prescribed burn. Qualified overhead personnel will be assigned to this burn to meet the complexity level identified.

iii Table of Contents

1.0 Introduction ...... 1 2.0 Issues / Intent / Rationale ...... 1 2.1 Ecosystem Management Issues ...... 1 2.2 Intent of the Project ...... 2 2.3 Rationale to Support Project ...... 2 3.0 Prescribed Burn Goals / Objectives ...... 2 3.1 Goals ...... 2 3.2 Ecological Objectives ...... 2 3.3 Burn Objectives ...... 3 4.0 Prescribed Burn Unit / Containment Area Description.………….. ..3 4.1 Burn Unit ...... 3 4.1.1 Burn Unit Location ...... 3 4.1.2 Burn Unit Size ...... 4 4.1.3 Soils Within Burn Unit ...... 5 4.1.4 Topography within Burn Unit ...... 6 4.1.5 Vegetation within Burn Unit ...... 6 4.1.6 Hydrology in Area ...... 6 4.1.7 Fire History ...... 6 4.2 Containment Area ...... 6 4.2.1 Location of Containment Area ...... 6 4.2.2 Purpose of the Containment Area ...... 6 5.0 Past / Present Land Use Management Activities in Burn Unit ...... 7 5.1 Past Land Use Practices ...... 7 5.2 Present Land Use Practices ...... 7 6.0 Monitoring Vegetation Effects of the Prescribed Burn ...... 7 6.1 Pre-burn Vegetation Inventory ...... 7 6.2 Post-burn Vegetation Inventory ...... 9 6.3 Monitoring Schedule and ReapplicationSchedule………………………………...... 9 10.4 Data Management and Analysis ...... 9 7. 0 Species at Risk/Sensitive Areas in Burn Unit ...... 10 7.1 Species at Risk Affected ...... 10 7.2 Sensitive Areas Affected ...... 10 7.3 Management Considerations ...... 10 8.0 Environmental Assessment ...... 11 8.1 Carbon Emissions ...... 11 8.2 Environmental Effects on Soils, Water, Flora, Fauna and Air ...... 11 8.3 Socio / Economic Considerations ...... 11 8.4 Cultural and Historic Considerations………………………………………………11 8.5 Mitigation Measures………………………………………………………………..11 9.0 Values at Risk ...... 12 9.1 Values at Risk in Containment Area/Burn Unit ...... 12 9.2 Values at Risk outside of Containment Area/Burn Unit ...... 12 iv 10.0 Prescription ...... 13 10.1 Guards ...... …13 10.1.1 Scheduling ...... 13 10.1.2 Desired Fire Effects ...... 13 10.1.3 Synoptic Weather Conditions ...... 13 10.1.4 Weather Parameters ...... 13 10.1.5 Fuel Conditions ...... 13 10.1.6 Fire Behaviour Parameters ...... 13 10.1.7 Stage of Vegetation Development Required to Meet Burn Objectives ...... 14 10.2 Sub Units ...... 14 10.2.1 Scheduling ...... 14 10.2.2 Desired Fire Effects ...... 14 10.2.3 Synoptic Weather Conditions ...... 14 10.2.4 Weather Parameters ...... 14 10.2.5 Fuel Conditions ...... 14 10.2.6 Fire Behaviour Parameters ...... 15 10.2.7 Stage of Vegetation Development Required to Meet Burn Objectives ...... 15 11.0 Prescribed Burn Monitoring on Burn Day ...... 15 11.1 Weather Monitoring ...... 15 11.1.1 Weather Station (on site / off site) ...... 15 11.1.2 Fire Weather Monitoring ...... 15 11.1.3 Spot Weather Forecasting ...... 16 11.2 Fire Behaviour Monitoring ...... 16 11.3 Fire Effects Monitoring ...... 16 11.3.1 Vegetation Effects ...... 16 11.3.2 Species at Risk Fire Effects ...... 16 11.3.3 Fire Severity Mapping ...... 16 11.3.4 Vegetation Mortality Assessment ...... 16 12.0 Pre-Burn Unit Preparation ...... 16 12.1 Burn Unit Perimeter Confirmation ...... 16 12.2 Pre-Burn Guard Development ...... 17 12.3 Containment Area Confirmation ...... 17 12.4 Water Source Identification ...... 17 12.5 Photo Plot Establishment ...... 17 12.6 Fuels Data Collection ...... 17 12.7 GPS Data Collection ...... 17 13.0 Ignition Plan ...... 17 13.1 Interior Guards and Sub Units ...... 17 13.1.1 Organizational Requirements ...... 17 13.1.2 Resource Requirements ...... 18 13.1.3 Ignition Methods and Devices ...... 19 13.1.4 Ignition Patterns ...... 19 13.1.5 Ignition Limitations ...... 19 13.1.6 Emergency Cease Firing Protocol ...... 19 13.1.7 Test Fire Requirements ...... 20 vi 14.0 Holding Plan ...... 20 14.1 Guards and Sub Units ...... 20 14.1.1 Organizational Requirements ...... 20 14.1.2 Resource Requirements ...... 24 14.1.3 Establishing Guards ...... 25 14.1.4 Perimeter Control for Guards ...... 25 14.1.5 Containment area ...... 25 14.1.6 Management Considerations ...... 25 15.0 Mop-up / Patrol Plan ...... 26 15.1 Mop-up / Patrol Requirements ...... 26 15.2 Infrared Scanning Requirements ...... 26 15.3 Turn Over Procedure ...... 26 16.0 Contingency Plan ...... 26 16.1 Escape Fire ...... 26 16.2 Triggers to Determine Wildfire Status ...... 27 16.3 Emergency Contacts ...... 27 16.4 Transfer of Command ...... 27 17.0 Smoke Management Plan ...... 28 17.1 Smoke Management On Site ...... 28 17.2 Downwind Affected Areas ...... 28 17.3 Mitigation Measures ...... 28 18.0 Safety Plan ...... 28 18.1 Briefings ...... 28 18.2 LACES ...... 29 18.3 On Site Evacuation Procedures ...... 30 18.4 Signage Requirements ...... 30 18.5 Public Safety ...... 30 18.6 Authorized Personnel on Burn Unit Only………………………………………. 30 18.7 Provincial Highway Safety ...... 31 18.8 Area Closures ...... 31 19.0 Prescribed Burn Complexity Rating ...... 31 20.0 Medical Plan ...... 32 21.0 Communications Plan ...... 33 21.1 Radio Frequencies Assigned to Prescribed Burn Operations ...... 33 21.2 Public / Media Communications Plan ...... 34 21.3 Key Messages ...... 35 21.4 Interpretive/Informational Materials ...... 35 22.0 Stakeholder Consultation Plan ...... 36 23.0 Logistical Support ...... 36 23.1 Lodging ...... 36 23.2 Sustenance ...... 36 23.3 Potable Water ...... 36 23.4 Fuel ...... 36 vii 24.0 Resource Requirements Summary ...... 37 25.0 Prescribed Burn Organization ...... 38 26.0 Budget ...... 39 26.1 Projected Budget ...... 39/40 27.0 Prescribed Burn Field Approval ...... 40 28.0 Literature Cited ...... 41 29.0 Appendices ...... 42 29.1 Forms ...... 42 29.1.1 Weather and Fire Behaviour Monitoring ...... 43 29.1.2 Go / No Go Checklist ...... 45 29.1.3 Prescribed Burn Complexity Rating Guide ...... 46 29.2 Maps ...... 51 29.2.1 Burn Unit Map ...... 51 29.2.2 RM Victory #226…..………………………………………………………...52 29.3 Plans ...... 53 29.3.1 Consultation Plan ...... 53 29.4 Letter of Intent to Burn - Stakeholders…...………………..…………………...... 54

viii List of Figures

Figure 1. Location of Matador Prairie Protected Area Prescribed Burn 2017. Pg. 3 Figure 2. Location of MPPA Prescribed Burn in relation to Sask. Landing Pg. 4 Provincial Park Figure 3. MPPA Prescribed Burn Unit 2017 showing four sub units. Pg. 5 Figure 4. Transect 1, proposed burn area, MPPA. Pg. 8 Figure 5. Transect 2, proposed burn area, MPPA. Pg. 8 Figure 6. Guard and sub unit ignition organization. Pg. 18 Figure 7. Guard and sub unit holding organization. Pg. 21 Figure 8. MPPA Prescribed Burn 2017 Medical Plan. Pg. 32 Figure 9. MPPA Prescribed Burn 2017 Communications Plan. Pg. 33

Figure 10. MPPA Prescribed Burn 2017 Organization. Pg. 39

List of Tables

Table 1. Transect and photo point locations, proposed burn area, MPPA Pg. 8 Table 2. Comparison of MPPA range assessment data with Reference Pg. 9 Plant Community (Thorpe 2007). Table 3. Values at risk within 5km of the MPPA Prescribed Burn 2017 Pg. 12 burn unit. Table 4. Resource requirements to complete interior guard and sub unit Pg. 18 ignitions. Table 5. Resource requirements for guard and sub unit holding. Pg. 24 Table 6. MPPA Prescribed Burn 2017 Emergency Contact List. Pg. 33 Table 7. MPPA Prescribed Burn 2017 public / media communications Pg. 34 plan. Table 8. Resource requirement summary for the MPPA Prescribed Burn Pg. 37 2017. Table 9. MPPA Prescribed Burn 2017 projected budget. Pg. 40

ix 1.0 Introduction

Natural disturbances have shaped and created landscape and biological diversity on native grasslands and forest in Saskatchewan since the last glaciation period. Fire, grazing, insect and disease and climatic conditions (e.g. wet years/droughts) were the main drivers maintaining healthy and vibrant ecosystems. Fire is responsible for maintaining and renewing fire adapted plant communities and the ecosystems they evolved in. Fire ensures natural systems function as they are intended as well ensures their structure and composition remain intact over time. Since the settlement of the prairies and southern forested portions of the province by Europeans in the late 1800’s wildfires have all but been eliminated and wildfire is no longer allowed to play its natural role. The Ministry of Parks, Culture and Sport, Parks Division manages provincial park lands using an ecosystem-based management philosophy, recognizing the importance of natural disturbances such as those created by wildfires and the effects these processes have on native landscapes and biodiversity.

The purpose of the Matador Prairie Protected Area (MPPA) Prescribed Burn 2017 is to utilize fire, followed up with a post burn herbicide application to control and manage invasive exotic plant species (Kentucky bluegrass and smooth bromegrass) and to reset successional plant development on this parcel of land. The MPPA is pristine native grassland and is considered a representative bench for mixed grass prairies in Saskatchewan. The MPPA consists of three sections of park land. It has not been grazed nor had any other form of natural disturbance on it in the last 45 years. The size of the area to be burned is 130.38 ha (~320 acres) and lies in the west central proportion of the protected area.

The Matador Prairie Protected Area Prescribed Burn Plan 2017 is intended to provide the requirements and procedures necessary to safely and effectively implement this burn in May, 2017.

2.0 Issues / Intent / Rational

2.1 Ecosystem Management Issues

Matador Prairie Protected Area (MPPA) is located northeast of Saskatchewan Landing Provincial Park. It is comprised of 1980 acres of dry mixed prairie predominantly located on Sceptre heavy clay soil. It is designated as a Protected Area under the Parks Act. Matador Prairie Protected Area has been recognized internationally for its ecological significance and as an excellent example of late seral mixed prairie occurring on a clay ecosite. In 2016 a range assessment was completed on the 1980 acre allotment. The plant community was found to be late serial and healthy. A threat to the integrity of the area was increasing occurrence of Kentucky bluegrass on some areas within the protected area. Kentucky bluegrass (KBG) is an invasive species that can displace native grassland vegetation in areas 1 in which it is adapted to grow. Workers have noted an increase in KBG in recent on grazed and idled mixed prairie throughout the Northern great plains. A prescribed fire followed by a program of fall applied herbicides will be used to reduce the extent and vigor of KBG in affected areas.

Wildfire is recognized as an important natural disturbance necessary for grassland renewal, nutrient recycling, renewal of fire dependent species along with many other important associated processes.

2.2 Intent of the Project

The intent of this project is to utilize prescribed fire, in conjunction with herbicide application, as a management tool to reduce the frequency and extent of Kentucky bluegrass within the burn area.

2.3 Rational to Support Project

Prescribed fire can be utilized in a safe and effective manner to emulate wildfire. Compared to wildfire, the use of prescribed fire greatly reduces liability issues and allows managers to control the desired fire effects to meet vegetation and land management objectives.

Prescribed fire is an acceptable human induced disturbance that Parks Division can use to influence grassland species composition. Prescribed fire will be utilized to remove KBG thatch cover and prepare the site for more effective herbicide application. Grazing is unable to create the same effects as fire, so in this case prescribed fire is the preferred option.

3.0 Prescribed Burn Goals / Objectives

3.1 Goals

To maintain the ecological integrity of the native grassland within the burn area and to remove KBG residue to facilitate herbicide application and to promote species diversity of native grasslands.

3.2 Ecological Objectives

Employ prescribed fire and herbicicdes to reverse the encroachment of KBG into native grassland communities by 70% over the following three to five years.

3.3 Burn Objectives

Reduce thatch cover by 90% in the KBG infested areas within the burn unit to promote the subsequent use of herbicides. Reduction in KBG cover and vigour to facilitate reestablishment of native forbs and grasses.

4.0 Prescribed Burn Unit / Containment Area Description 4.1 Burn Unit 4.1.1 Burn Unit Location The burn unit is located on the east half of section 16, Township 20, Range 13, West of the third Meridian. The geographic center of the burn is: Latitude: 500 41’ 40.44” N Longitude: -1070 44’ 18.27” W MPPA prescribed burn is located within the Rural Municipality of Victory #226.

Figure 1. Location of the Matador Prairie Protected Area Prescribed Burn 2017.

Figure 2. Location MPPA Prescribed Burn in relation to Sask. Landing Provincial Park.

4.1.2 Burn Unit Size

The entire burn unit including the containment area is approximately 332.98 hectares. The burn unit will be divided into four sub units, sub unit 1 – 35.46 ha, sub unit 2 – 33.05 ha, sub unit 3 – 31.31 and sub unit 4 – 30.56 ha. Total area to be burned in the four sub units is 130.38 ha, see figure 3.

Figure 3. MPPA Prescribed Burn Unit 2017 showing four sub units.

4.1.3 Soils within Burn Unit

The soil type at MPPA is well-drained, moderately calcareous Brown soils of clay to heavy clay texture.

4.1.4 Topography within Burn Unit

The protected area is located on the bed of a former glacial lake which had been cut by the South Saskatchewan River. The area is predominantly flat, but some areas are undulating to rolling and are broken by isolated hills and valleys.

4.1.5 Vegetation within Burn Unit

The vegetation at MPPA was classified by Coupland et al. (1974) as the Agropyron- Koeleria Faciation of the Mixed Prairie (Stipa-Bouteloua) Association. It has also been classified as modified Bailey ecoregion temperate dry steppe, #330. The native vegetation was described as dominated by Agropyron dasystachyum (Northern Wheatgrass), A. smithii (Western Wheatgrass), and Koeleria cristata (Junegrass), with an understory of Carex eleocharis (Low Sedge), some Stipa viridula (Green Needlegrass), and a few forbs. Agropyron app. accounts for 75% of the total biomass. Thorpe classifies the area as Mixed Prairie, clay ecosite.

4.1.6 Hydrology in Area

External drainage patterns are generally poorly developed. One closed depression occurs within the burn area.

4.1.7 Fire History

There are no known fire disturbances on the burn unit in last 45 years.

4.2 Containment Area

4.2.1 Location of Containment Area

The containment area consists of two blocks on either side of the burn area, one to the east and one to the west, refer to figure 3.

4.2.2 Purpose of Containment Area

The purpose of the containment area is to act as a buffer area in the event the burn escapes from a burn sub unit. Fire may be allowed to burn within in this area as long as it can be safely controlled and kept within containment area boundaries.

If the fire cannot be safely managed in the containment area, the fire will be extinguished as quickly as possible. If the fire escapes the containment area it will be classified as wildfire and actioned in accordance with the Ministry of Environment, Wildfire Management Policies.

5.0 Past / Present Land Use Activities in Burn Unit

5.1 Past Land Use Practices

The area where the MPPA is located was once the northernmost grazing resource for the Texas- based Matador Land and Cattle Company. From 1905-1921 a 150,000 acre area encompassing the MPPA was grazed by the company’s cattle. The land reverted to the province of Saskatchewan in 1921 and was grazed until 1961. The site was moderately to heavily grazed from 1905 to 1961. After 1961 and to present day grazing has not occurred on the area. The area is designated as a “Protected Area” within the provincial parks system, by the Parks Act. Protected Areas, under provincial legislation, “are to be used primarily for the protection and preservation of their natural, prehistoric or historic resources of interest or significance.”

5.2 Present Land Use Practices

MPPA is presently a protected area where no grazing or other commercial ventures are permitted. A lease with the University of Saskatchewan, thirty years in duration, was signed in 2013. The lease makes the area available for research purposes to study mixed prairie ecosystems. The area has been used for many research projects, beginning in the 1960’s. Hunting is permitted on the area, and antelope, white tailed deer, mule deer, elk, and upland game birds frequent the area, as well as many non-game species.

6.0 Monitoring the Vegetation Effects of the Prescribed Burn

6.1 Pre Burn Vegetation Inventory

Saskatchewan Parks Division completed a range assessment on MPPA in 2016. Two 100 meter transects were located in the burn area (Figure 1, 2). Quadrats were located every 10 meters along the transects (Table 1). Species composition, range health, and litter levels were measured (Table 2.). By using the Saskatchewan Rangeland Ecosystems: Ecoregions, Ecosites, and Communities (Thorpe 2007) reference plant community for clay ecosites in mixed prairie, similarity indexes were calculated comparing each mean values for each transect to the Reference Plant Community.

Quarter Section Transect Location U Location UT Photo point NE Section 16 1 Start 13 U 0306410 UT 5620175 13 U 0306410 End 13 U 0306371 UT 5620249 UT 5620177 SE Section 16 2 Start 13 U 0306261 UT 5618903 13 U 0306261 End 13 U 0306329 UT 5618872 UT 5618903 Table 1. Transect and photo point locations, proposed burn area, MPPA

Figure 4. Transect 1, proposed burn area, MPPA

Figure 5. Transect 2, proposed burn area, MPPA 8

Range Reference T1 T2 Tmean Ecosite: Plant Mixed/Dry community Mixed % biomass Grassland - (Thorpe Clay 2007, n=15) Northern 49 (31-72) 35 45 40.0 wheatgrass Western 8 (0-20) 13 1 7 wheatgrass Needle-and- 7 (0-22) 0 0 0 thread Sedge 6 (0-15) 7 8 7.5 June grass 6 (0-13) 0 0 0 Green 4 (0-13) 21 28 24.5 needlegrass Blue grama 2 (0-6) 0 0 0 Western 1 (0-0) 0 0 0 porcupine grass Sandberg’s 1 (0-2) 0 0 0 bluegrass Bluegrass 1 (0-0) 0 0 0 (Poa ssp.) Pasture sage 7 (1-17) 5 2 3.5 Winter fat 3 (0-5) 0 0 0 Scarlet 1 (0-2) 0 1.5 0.75 mallow Moss-phlox 1 (0-2) 0 0 0 broomweed 1 (0-2) 0 0 0 Minor 1 0 0 0 shrubs Minor 0 0 0 0 graminoids Minor forbs 2 9 14.5 11.75 Exposed soil - 2.3 2.1 2.2 % Litter kg/ha - 1760 1680 1720 Similarity 60 60 63.5 index

Table 2. Comparison of MPPA range assessment data with Reference Plant Community (Thorpe 2007).

6.2 Post Burn Vegetation Inventory

Landscape Protection Unit, Parks Division grassland ecologist (Michel Tremblay) is collaborating with Dr. Eric Lamb of the University of Saskatchewan, to carry out a study to document the impacts of fire on MPPA grassland.

6.3 Monitoring Schedule and Reapplication Schedule

Herbicide (ground sprayed glyphosate applications) / or subsequent burns may be used to favor decreaser graiminoids, increase site diversity, and reduce KBG cover.

6.4 Data Management and Analysis

The burn design will be stored in an ArcGIS project. The vegetation data will be stored in the LPU vegetation management database.

7.0 Species at Risk/Sensitive Areas

7.1 Species at Risk Affected

Sprague’s Pipit and Chestnut-Collared Longspur are threatened grassland birds that have been observed at MPPA.

In a Manitoba study, fire did not significantly influence the distribution and density of Sprague’s Pipit. However the response of the vegetation to fire may indicate that the existing fire-return interval is not contributing to the population decline of Sprague’s Pipit, but that in the absence of fire, the habitat could regress to a state that does not meet the critical habitat needs of this species (Champagne 2011). In Saskatchewan, Sprague’s Pipits were most abundant two to three years, and sometimes up to seven years, post-fire; none were present on native prairie that had not been burned or grazed for more than eight years (Anonymous 2007).

Breeding habitat of Chestnut-Collared Longspur is restricted to short- and mixedgrass prairies of the northern Great Plains. Preferred habitat includes arid prairies with vegetation heights no taller than 20-30 cm (Owens and Myres 1973) and minimal litter accumulation (Hill and Gould 1997, Madden et al. 2000, Fritcher et al. 2004, Davis 2005). Historically, this species probably bred in areas disturbed by bison or fire (Owens and Myres 1973) and presently breeds in grazed pastures or recently burned grasslands (Cody 1985, Stewart 1975, Davis et al. 1999, Danley et al. 2004).

7.2 Sensitive Areas Affected

No ecosystems of high sensitivity are located in the burn unit.

7.3 Management Considerations

The area will be managed to minimize damage and compaction to the soil profile. Heavily loaded vehicles will not be allowed to travel over the same piece of ground

8.0 Environmental Assessment

8.1 Carbon Emissions

Carbon emissions for the burn have been calculated based on 50% carbon release of total grassland fuel load for the burn area. Estimated carbon release is 1.0 tonnes / hectare x 130.38 hectares x 50% = 65.19 tonnes.

8.2 Environmental Effects on Soils, Water, Flora, Fauna and Air

The MPPA Prescribed Burn 2017 will be a moderate intensity burn. Residence time for the fire will be controlled through ignition sequences / patterns so there will be no anticipated negative impacts to the soil. There are no streams or permanent water bodies directly inside the burn unit. The ground in the burn unit is moderately level so there should be minimal erosion problems associated with surface run off from heavy precipitation events. There may be an direct impact to ground nesting birds, with losses of nests, however it is anticipated that many bird species will re-nest as the burn will occur in early to mid-May.

Air quality will be impacted locally while the burn is being carried out and for a short period post-burn (<1 hour).

The burn will be conducted under a slightly unstable atmospheric condition which will promote vertical lifting, mixing and dispersal of the smoke into the upper atmosphere. There is no human habitation in any direction from the burn for a minimum of eight kilometers.

8.3 Socio / Economic Considerations

There are expectations Parks Division will take appropriate management actions on their lands to ensure native grasslands are managed and maintained in a heathy state. There will be little impact by the burn on human activity in the area because the area is remote, presently not grazed and is surrounded by provincial and private grazing lands. It is anticipated there will be concerns raised by cattlemen in the area as they would rather see this piece of grassland grazed rather than being burned.

8.4 Cultural and Historic Considerations

No cultural or historic impacts have been identified.

8.5 Mitigation Measures

Care will be taken during the pre-burn site preparations and with suppression activities to ensure there is no soil disturbance or minimal soil compaction. Spinning of motorized

11 vehicular wheels will not be intentionally allowed nor will heavy suppression vehicles be allowed in low wet spots if these are encountered. Fire nozzles fed by high pressure fire pumps will not be allowed to cut the soil surface excessively.

9.0 Values at Risk

9.1 Values at Risk in the Containment Area/Burn Unit

There are no values at risk either in the containment area or within the burn unit.

9.2 Values at Risk outside of Containment Area/Burn Unit

Value at Description of Contact / Phone Distance and Risk Value Number Direction from Burn Unit Buildings U of S Wooden Eric Lamb 1.4 km east of north structures including 306-966-1799 end of burn dorms and camp facilities Grassland Grazing land fence Bothner Farm & Ranch Ltd. Directly south, west line Ed Bothner and NW of burn 306-859-4602 unit Grassland Matador Provincial Jeremy Simpson – Pasture Directly north and Pasture grazing land Manager / 306-375-7107 east of burn unit. fence Pasture HQ is ~9km NW of burn unit Grassland Grazing land fence Elwin & Norlyn Hermanson 3.2 km east of burn line 306-859-2097 unit Grassland Grazing land fence Matador Hutterite Colony 1.6 km north of line 306-375-1206 burn Grassland Grazing land fence SCDR Farms Ltd. – Donald 1.6 km north of line Hodgins 306-375-2239 burn Grassland Grazing land fence Linda and Hugh Hawkins 3.2 km northwest of line 306-375-2844 burn

Table 3. Values at risk within 3.2 km of the MPPA Prescribed Burn 2017 Burn Unit.

10.0 Prescription

10.1 Guards

10.1.1 Scheduling

The perimeter guard development was initiated in the fall of 2016 by mowing in eight meter lines around the perimeter and between each of the four sub units. Wet / foam lines will be used to support mow lines at the time of the burning in 2017. Burning will occur between 0900 hours and 1900 hours each day pending weather conditions and dryness of the fuels. 10.1.2 Desired Fire Effects

The perimeter guards will be burned approximately six to eight meters wide to ensure any remaining surface material will not reignite or carry fire across the guards once the burning of the sub units begin.

10.1.3 Synoptic Weather Conditions

A clear day with light breeze (<10km/hr) of relatively consistent wind direction and velocity within a slightly unstable air mass to promote vertical lifting of smoke is desirable. It is also preferable to have a day free of any frontal passages and thunderstorm development.

10.1.4 Weather Parameters

Desired wind direction would be from the west, south or from the east; however any wind direction will work. Desired 10 meter wind speeds for day of the burn are 10 to 15 km/hr., relative humidity between 25 to 35% and day time temperatures between 150 and 250 Celsius.

10.1.5 Fuel Conditions

Fuels need to be sufficiently dry to sustain fire with at least three days since last rain fall. FMFC range 85 - 88; DMC range 40 - 60; DC range 150 – 250; BUI range 41-60; % cure of grass 85 - 90%. Estimate 1 tonne / ha of fuel load.

10.1.6 Fire Behaviour Parameters

Flame lengths along guards are not to exceed 1.0 meters in length. Flame lengths along guards will be controlled with ignition techniques / patterns and the amount of fire lit at any one time. Head fire rates of spread in O1A fuel types are expected to be within the range of 19.3 m/minute. Head fire intensity range 577.1 kw/m; flank fire intensity 84.9 kw/m.

10.1.7 Stage of Vegetation Development Required to Meet Burn Objectives

Burn should occur when cool season invasive exotic grass species are in at least four leaf stage and prior to warm season grasses breaking dormancy.

10.2 Sub Units

10.2.1 Scheduling

Ignition of the burn unit including each sub unit will occur between May 5 and May 20, 2017 weather and fuel conditions dependent. The sub units will be ignited at a time of day where fire behaviour is most likely to produce the desired fire effects. This generally occurs between 1000 and 1700 hours. However, the conditions of a particular day may produce a fire environment where igniting of the sub units beyond these time parameters will also produce the desired fire effects.

10.2.2 Desired Fire Effects

Desired fire effects in the sub units is to remove thatch cover, dead standing material and to damage growing proportion of cool season invasive exotic grasses. Promote reestablishment of forbs and native grasses.

10.2.3 Synoptic Weather Conditions

A clear day with a light breeze of relatively consistent wind direction and velocity within a slightly unstable air mass to assist in vertical lifting of smoke is desirable. It is also preferable to have a day free of any frontal passages and thunderstorm development.

10.2.4 Weather Parameters

Desired wind direction would be from the west or south; however any wind direction will work. Desired 10 meter wind speeds for day of burn 10 to 15 km/hr., relative humidity between 25 to 35% and day time temperatures between 150 and 250 Celsius.

10.2.5 Fuel Conditions

10.2.6 Fire Behaviour Parameters

Flames lengths along the guards will be kept to 1.0 meters while flame lengths in the interior each sub unit can be allowed to exceed two or more meters in length as long as they do not pose an escape risk. Firing techniques and patterns will dictate the fire intensity to be created in each sub unit.

Head fire rates of spread in O1A fuel types are expected to be in the range of 19.3 m/minute. Head fire intensity range 577.1 kw/m; flank fire intensity 84.9 kw/m.

10.2.7 Stage of Vegetation Development Required to Meet Burn Objectives

Burn should occur when cool season invasive exotic grass species are in least four leaf stage and prior to warm season grasses breaking dormancy.

11.0 Prescribed Burn Monitoring on Burn Day

11.1 Weather Monitoring

11.1.1 Weather Station (on site / off site)

The onsite monitoring of the weather will be taken by an assigned weather recorder using a “Kestrel 4500” hand held weather instrument. A Kestrel Drop data weather logger will also be utilized in conjunction with Kestrel 4500 on the burn.

The nearest permanent weather stations are Environment Canada Weather Stations at Swift Current (SWIFT), Kindersley (KDSLY) and Rosetown (RSETN). Weather from these stations can be obtained by calling park office personnel and having them relay the weather information to the onsite weather recorder.

11.1.2 Fire Weather Monitoring

Before and after the peak burning period (1100-1700) and / or the ignition of the sub units the weather will be broadcast to prescribed burn personnel and recorded every hour. During the peak burning period the weather will be broadcast to prescribed burn personnel and recorded every half hour. All weather monitoring criteria will be done according to the “Prescribed Burn Monitoring Form-Weather and Fire Behaviour Observations” document (see appendix 29.1.1).

11.1.3 Spot Weather Forecasting

Spot weather forecasts for the day of the burn will be obtained through the Ministry of Environment’s, Wildfire Management Branch’s Weather Section. A spot weather forecast will be requested for 1100 and 1500 hours on each day of the burn.

11.2 Fire Behaviour Monitoring

Fire behaviour will be monitored throughout the burning of the guards and sub units. Fire behaviour observations will be recorded every half hour using criteria outlined in the “Prescribed Burn Monitoring Form-Weather and Fire Behaviour Observations” document (see appendix 29.1.1).

11.3 Fire Effects Monitoring

11.3.1 Vegetation Effects

The fire’s effect on the vegetation contained within each sub unit will be constantly evaluated throughout the burn to ensure fire effects are meeting objectives stated.

11.3.2 Species at Risk Fire Effects

Refer to section 7.1 for details on bird species at risk.

11.3.3 Fire Severity Mapping

Fire severity will be monitored throughout the burning of each sub unit. Specific areas / locations where fire severity differs will be recorded.

11.3.4 Vegetation Mortality Assessment

The mortality of vegetation will be assessed throughout the burning of the sub units and will be reexamined again post burn to ensure objectives are or have been met.

12.0 Pre-Burn Unit Preparation

12.1 Burn Unit Perimeter Confirmation

The burn unit perimeter was established in fall of 2016. Michel Tremblay and Glen Longpre from the Landscape Protection Unit conducted on-site assessments and identified the most suitable locations for perimeter and interior fire breaks / guards. 16

12.2 Pre-Burn Guard Development

The perimeter and interior guards were mowed in the fall of 2016. Mowed guard lines are approximately eight meters in width.

12.3 Containment Area Confirmation

The containment area perimeter was identified in fall of 2016 during the on-site assessment. Containment areas were established on the east and west sides of the main burn unit only.

2.4 Water Source Identification

The primary water sources used for this burn will come from dams and dug outs near the burn unit. There are three water sources within 1.6 km or less of the burn area.

12.5 Photo / Research Plot Establishment

There will be a minimum of four photo / research plots (U of S) established within sub units in late April or early May of 2017, prior to the burn being completed.

12.6 Fuels Data Collection

Collection of fuel data was done through clipping and dry weighing of material to determine grass fuel loads. O1A will be used as the representative FBP fuel type for the burn unit. There will be no data collected on this fuel with regards to exact fuel moisture content non day of burn.

12.7 GPS Data Collection

GPS track logs were collected by Glen Longpre in October of 2016.

13.0 Ignition Plan

13.1 Interior Guards & Sub Units

13.1.1 Organizational Requirements

For igniting the interior guards and sub units, the organizational requirements are shown in the following flow chart:

Figure 6. Guard and Sub Unit Ignition Organization.

The Firing Boss will be responsible for the supervision and safety of the igniters. He / she will work with the Holding Specialist and the Prescribed Burn Boss to determine appropriate ignition patterns, sequences and the amount of fire which will be lit at any given time.

In most cases, only three igniters will be used while the forth igniter will be available to rotate in and out to keep fatigue and exposure to smoke / heat to acceptable levels. The igniter not actively lighting fire will ensure the handheld drip torches not being used are full of fuel and in serviceable condition and will replace empty or unserviceable handheld torches being used by active igniters.

13.1.2 Resource Requirements

RESOURCE QUANT. USE Firing Boss 1 Supervise igniters and recommends changes to firing sequence and techniques to the Prescribed Burn Boss and Holding Specialist. Igniter 4 Ignition/service ignition equipment. Handheld Drip Torches 8 Potentially six used with two spares. Flare Gun / Pyroshot Gun 1 / 1 Ignition of interior of sub units. ATV & ATV Trailer 1 Carry fuel & torches, water packs, three LH shovels & two pluskaski’s, one - five lb. ABC Fire Extinguisher etc. Torch Fuel 205 litres For use in handheld drip torches. Jerry Cans (20L) 6 To refill handheld drip torches King Radios 5 Communications for Ground Ignition Crew.

Table 4. Resource requirements to complete interior guard and sub unit ignitions.

13.1.3 Ignition Methods and Devices

The handheld drip torch will be the primary ignition device. A strip, spot and serpentine or combination of these firing patterns will be utilized to create heading, backing, and flanking fires which will be the primary firing methods. Upwind ends of each sub unit will be semi- ringed fired to complete the burning of each these units. A flare pistol or pyroshot gun maybe used to assist with the interior burning of the sub units.

13.1.4 Ignition Patterns

Five meter wide blacklines will be burned in along mowed guards around the perimeter and between each of the four sub units prior to burning of each of the subunits. Ignition lines will be laid down between foam / wet lines to ensure flame lengths do not exceed 1.2 meters in length during the burning of the guards. Various firing techniques will be utilized to burn guards to control fire intensity and to ensure guards are completely burned black to eliminate the possibly of re burn during the sub unit firing operations

Ignition of each sub unit will be initiated on the furthest downwind side, using a narrow strip heading fire perpendicular to the wind flow to widen out the downwind guards. The heading fire will be allowed to burn and become a backing fire. Successive strips of heading fire will be laid upwind of each previous strip. The first three or four heading fires should not exceed one or two times the width of blackened area in front of them. Flanking fires along the sub unit perimeters will be coordinated with the progression of the interior strip heading fires to ensure the sides of the sub unit are sealed off and containment of the fire can be maintained. Successive heading fires should not be lit until the previous firing line has died down to ensure head fire intensity is not allowed to build up. Once a safe distance of approximately 100+ meters has been established, the sub unit will be semi ring fired and flares launched into the interior to assist with interior burning.

Each of the four sub units will be burned independently from each other allowing a burned sub unit to become a widened downwind fire break for the next sub unit to be burned.

13.1.5 Ignition Limitations

Guards or sub units will not be ignited in any adverse weather conditions such as winds over 20 km/hr., or within 12 hours of any thunderstorm activity or frontal passages which may cause sudden and erratic wind shifts. Guard burning will also be limited to areas absent of volatile pockets of fuel and / or dangerous topographical features such as steep slopes.

13.1.6 Emergency Cease Firing Protocol

In the event of an emergency, ignition will be halted immediately. The signal to cease fire will include a radio broadcast of, “CEASE FIRE, CEASE FIRE, CEASE FIRE” to the 19 ignition personnel as well as the hand signal of moving an open hand across the throat in the event radio contact cannot be made. Three blasts of whistle may substitute the use of radio if the radios become unserviceable. When a cease fire is activated all active fire along the guard edges will be extinguished as soon as possible and personnel will await instruction from the Firing Boss.

Emergencies that would require a cease fire include, but are not limited to, severe injury of personnel, the occurrence of a wildfire or escape fire, and/or incapacity to control current fire activity due to equipment becoming unserviceable.

13.1.7 Test Fire Requirements

Before proceeding with guard or sub unit burning, secure fire barriers will be put in place in representative fuel type and a test fire will be ignited. Fire behaviour will be observed and used to determine whether or not to proceed with guard and sub unit burning operations.

The GO / NO GO check sheet must be completed by the Prescribe Fire Burn Boss and support the ignition prior to lighting of the guards or sub units.

14.0 Holding Plan

14.1 Guards and Sub Units

14.1.1 Organizational Requirements

For holding the guards and sub units the organizational requirements are shown in the following flow chart:

Figure 7. Guard and Sub Unit Holding Organization. Prescribed Fire Burn Boss is responsible for overseeing the entire burn operations, directing the Firing Boss and the Holding Specialist as well for the overall safety of all personnel assigned to the prescribed burn operations. The Holding Specialist is responsible for the tactical supervision of the Task Force Leaders and ensuring the guard and sub unit containment goes according to plan. The Holding Specialist is also responsible for the operational response to an escape fire. The Holding Specialist must be familiar with the surrounding area and be able to immediately put an effective operational response together to address any escape fire, spot or slop over fires. In the event outside fire suppression resources are brought in to support fire operations, the Holding Specialists is required to effectively work these resources into the current organization to ensure a safe and effective response is undertaken.

Task Force 1: This Task Force will receive instruction from Task Force Leader 1 who is responsible for the tactical supervision of this Task Force in containing the outside or the active downwind fire perimeter for guard and sub unit burning. Wildland fire engine unit 1 will be the lead engine having the greatest nozzle pressure and volume of water on board to knock down 21 higher intensity flames along the downwind perimeter. This engine will lay down foam / wet line to burn from when burning in guards on downwind side. Wildland fire engine 2 will follow up behind wildland fire engine unit 1 and is responsible for extinguishing the fires edge along the downwind guard or sub unit. Hand tool crew 1 will follow up behind wildland fire engine 2 to ensure the perimeter is secure; respond to slop over or spot fires and to monitor the guard and sub unit until the ignition operation is completed. Spacing and coordination of this Task Force will be critical. Once a sub unit burn is completed, Task Force 1 along with the Task Force 2, 3 and 4 will mop up and extinguish the fire in the sub unit prior to burning the next one. Water tender 1 will be used to supply water to wildland fire engines in Task Force 1 and 2. If an escape fire requires more resources than what Task Force 1 has available, resources from Task Force 2, 3 or 4 can be reassigned if the holding requirements for ignition are not compromised.

Task Force 2: This Task Force will receive instruction from Task Force Leader 2 who is responsible for the tactical supervision of controlling the fire on the inside or upwind side of the fire guards and burn units. Wildland fire engine unit 3 with the greatest nozzle pressure and volume of water on board will be the lead engine on these sides of the burn. This engine will lay down foam / wet line to burn from when burning in guards on the upwind side. Wildland fire engine unit 3 will also be used to knock down the flaming edge along the upwind side of the guards or sub units. Wildland fire engine unit 4 will follow up behind wildland engine 3 and is responsible to extinguish the perimeter of the upwind side of guards and sub units. Hand tool crew 2 will follow wildland fire engine unit 4 to ensure the perimeter is secure; respond to slop over or spot fires and to monitor the guard and sub unit until ignition operation is completed. Spacing and coordination of this Task Force will be critical. Once a sub unit burn is completed, Task Force 2 along with the Task Force 1, 3 and 4 will mop up and extinguish the fire in the sub unit prior to burning the next one. If an escape fire requires more resources than what Task Force 2 has available, resources from Task Force 1, 3 or 4 can be reassigned if the holding requirements for ignition are not compromised.

Task Force 3: This Task Force will receive instruction from Task Force Leader 3 who is responsible for the tactical supervision of controlling the fire on the left flank of the burn units. Wildland fire engine unit 5 with the greatest nozzle pressure and volume of water on board will be the lead engine on these sides of the burn units. Wildland fire engine unit 5 will knock the flaming edge down along the left flank of each sub unit. Wildland fire engine unit 6 will follow up behind wildland engine unit 5 and is responsible to extinguish the perimeter of these flanks along each sub unit. Hand tool crew 3 will follow wildland fire engine unit 6 to ensure the perimeter is secure; respond to slop over or spot fires and to monitor the guard and sub unit until ignition operation is completed. Water tender 2 will be used to supply water to wildland fire engines in Task Force 3 and 4. Spacing and coordination of this Task Force will be critical. Once a sub unit burn is completed, Task Force 3 along with the Task 22

Force 1, 2 and 4 will mop up and extinguish the fire in the sub unit prior to burning the next one. If an escape fire requires more resources than what Task Force 3 has available, resources from Task Force 1, 2 or 4 can be reassigned if the holding requirements for ignition are not compromised.

Task Force 4: This Task Force will receive instruction from Task Force Leader 4 who is responsible for the tactical supervision of controlling the fire on the right flank of the burn units. Wildland fire engine unit 7 with the greatest nozzle pressure and volume of water on board will be the lead engine on these sides of the burn units. Wildland fire engine unit 7 will knock the flaming edge down along the right flank of each sub unit. Wildland fire engine unit 8 will follow up behind wildland engine unit 7 and is responsible to extinguish the perimeter of these flanks along each sub unit. Hand tool crew 4 will follow wildland fire engine unit 8 to ensure the perimeter is secure; respond to slop over or spot fires and to monitor the guard and sub unit until ignition operation is completed. Spacing and coordination of this Task Force will be critical. Once a sub unit burn is completed, Task Force 4 along with the Task Force 1, 2 and 3 will mop up and extinguish the fire in the sub unit prior to burning the next one. If an escape fire needs more resources than what Task Force 4 has available, resources from Task Force 1, 2 or 3 can be reassigned if the holding requirements for ignition are not compromised.

A staging area will be set up close to the north east side of the burn unit along the main road leading to the site. The staging area (Matador Staging) will be identified and marked. There will be no staging area manager on site.

One 2000 gallon water bladder (minimum) will be set up mid-way along the west side of the burn unit to support water tenders and wildland fire engines with refilling and to ensure there is an adequate water supply on hand.

14.1.2 Resource Requirements

RESOURCE QUANT. USE Prescribed Burn Boss 1 Oversee and mange prescribed burn. Holding Specialist 1 Supervise perimeter containment/escaped fire. Safety Officer 1 Safety supervision. Task Force Leader 4 Tactical supervision and direct task forces. Type I firefighter 14 Operate foam units / wildland fire engines. Type II firefighter 10 Containment / mop up / wildland fire engine support Parks Division firefighter 4 Operate water tenders / wildland fire engine Wildland Fire Engine HE 2 Create fire barriers for guard burning. Foam 400-500 gal. Personnel to man engines included in T1FF Wildland Fire Engine Unit 6 Supporting foam units/initial attack / mop up HE/IL Foam 100 – 250 gal. Personnel to man engines included in T1FF & PDFF. Water Tender 1000 gal. 2 Supply water to pumper unit and engines 50 man mobile cache 1 Supply hand tools, pumps, hose, other. ATV & ATV Trailer 4 / 3 Carry hand tools, water packs/Holding Specialist Honda Trash pump 2 Fill water tenders and to pump from bladder Water Bladder 2000 gal. 1 Set up on east of burn to support wildland fire engine refill King Radio/FTR Radios 40/10 Operations

Table 5. Resource requirements for guard and sub unit holding.

All wildland engines and foam units are required to be functionally complete (including pump gas) and have a minimum combination of 600ft 1 1/2” and 400ft of 1” fire hose. Wildland fire engines will also have a minimum of six 25-50 foot fire hose lengths. All engines are to be completely serviceable. Two of the wildland engines are required to have a minimum of 400 gallon water tanks and have high expansion foam capability. The remaining six wildland fire engines are required to have a minimum 125 - 150 gallon water tanks and have in line foam capability. All wildland engines must be capable of charging a 50 foot, 1 ½ inch fire hose to a minimum of 50 psi. Water tenders should have a minimum 1000 gallon water carrying capacity, are functionally complete with pump, fill lines, nozzles and include an operator.

The 50 man mobile fire cache is required to have a minimum of two chainsaws, chainsaw fuel and chain oil, two MKIII pumps complete, two high pressure floto pumps complete and pump gas and a combination of a minimum 4000 feet of 1 ½” and 1” fire hose. The cache is 24 required to contain a minimum of 30 firefighting hand tools such as fire shovels, fire brooms, pulaskis, and/or Macleod tools and 1 - 2000 gallon water bladders. The cache is to contain a minimum of 15 soft/hard water packs complete with hand spray pumps. Trash Pumps will be used to fill tenders. Trash Pumps must be complete with pump gas and a minimum 100ft of 1 ½ or 2 inch hose with a shut off nozzle.

MKIII pumps and all other fire pumps are required to be complete with tool kits, gas tanks and pump fuel.

14.1.3 Establishing Guards

Guards will be established using a combination of mow lines (eight meter mow lines) and blacklines (five to eight meter black lines) prior to ignition of each sub unit.

14.1.4 Perimeter Control for Guards

Four task force groups will be assigned to provide perimeter control and containment.

14.1.5 Containment area

The boundary of the containment areas are shown in Figure 3, page __. Containment areas have been identified on the east and west sides of the burn only as these areas are still within the Matador Prairie Protected Area. The areas to the south and north of the burn are not park land.

14.1.6 Management Considerations

If fire were to breech an internal fire guard in one of the sub units, the Prescribed Fire Burn Boss may choose to let the fire spread into the next sub unit. However, unless otherwise directed from Prescribed Fire Burn Boss, any fire which breeches any interior guard of an individual sub unit will be immediately extinguished.

All vehicles will stay clear of soft / wet exposed mineral soil areas and will avoid spinning tires. Two of the wildland fire engine units must be equipped with winches capable of pulling themselves or other vehicles out should they get stuck. All vehicles and equipment used on the burn operation must be cleaned and washed prior to entering on park land to ensure invasive exotic plant seeds and propogules are not introduced into the park.

15.0 Mop-Up / Patrol Plan

15.1 Mop-Up / Patrol Requirements

Interior guards and sub units are to be mopped up and extinguished during the same operational period as the burning operation takes place. Initial mop-up will occur for a minimum of 30 meters in from the edge of the burn unit or sub units. Once all the sub units are burned, the interiors of each sub unit will be completed extinguished prior to resources being released from the burn.

Patrol of the perimeter will be continuous throughout the burning operation and will continue for at least two days after the burn is declared out.

15.2 Infrared Scanning Requirements

All the areas within 30 meters of the perimeter will be scanned with an infrared scanner if one is available.

15.3 Turn-Over Procedure

Once the entire burn has been mopped up and it is determined that the fire is out the burn will turned over to park staff for continued patrol and mop-up if necessary. Essentially on turnover to park personnel the entire burn area will be extinguished.

16.0 Contingency Plan

16.1 Escape Fire

Any fire occurring outside the sub unit boundaries will be reported immediately to the Prescribed Fire Burn Boss. Based on current and expected fire behaviour the Prescribed Fire Burn Boss will decide on course of action. Resources will be deployed and / or reassigned to control and suppress an escape fire. If adequate resources are available, ignition of the sub units will be halted and ground ignition crew will be put on standby until the escape fire has been contained and extinguished. If the incident requires all resources on the burn be involved in suppression then the ignition personnel will cease entirely and will secure their equipment and be directed to take on a suppression role. A wildfire will only be declared if the escape fire is deemed by the Prescribed Fire Burn Boss to be beyond control and containment with the available resources on site.

If a wildfire occurs, on-site Wildfire Management (WFM) staff and Park Division staff will work the wildfire with a unified command structure. The most experienced, trained and qualified individual on site will assume the Incident Commander role for wildfire operation.

Resources will be assigned and additional resources ordered if required by calling the Regional Duty Officer at 953-3406. The wildfire will be actioned in accordance with Wildfire Management Branch standard operating policies and procedures. Kyle and Beechy Fire Departments will likely be the most readily available resource and will be contacted through 911. Municipal resources will fall into the ICS organization which will be utilized to manage a wildfire incident. All adjacent landowners within 10km of the downwind side of the escaped fire will be contacted as soon as practical by the Park Manager.

16.2 Triggers to Determine Wildfire Status

If, at any time a fire occurs outside the perimeter guard of the burn unit / containment area and it is deemed by the Prescribed Fire Burn Boss to be beyond suppression or containment with the available resources on site a wildfire will be declared.

16.3 Emergency Contacts

Local Fire Departments, RCMP, and emergency management services can be contacted using 911.

Conservation Officers can be contacted through the Provincial Dispatch Center at 306-953- 2991.

In the event of a wildfire the Prescribed Fire Burn Boss will contact the:

 WFM Regional Duty Officer at 306-953-3406;  Cypress Hills Fire Center at 306-662-5401  Dave Silversides, Park Manager at 306-375-5525 or 306-375-7963 (cell)  Brant Seifert, Park Regional Director at 306-778-8964 or 306-662-8334(cell)

16.4 Transfer of Command

In the event of a wildfire a unified command structure will be established with Wildfire Management Branch, Saskatchewan Parks Division and municipal fire departments. The wildfire will be organized using the Incident Command structure.

17.0 Smoke Management Plan

17.1 Smoke Management on Site

Smoke will be managed within sub units by several mitigating measures. Every effort will be made to carry out burn operations when atmospheric conditions allow smoke to be lifted to a minimum mixing height of 500 feet above ground level.

The burn unit is broken down into four sub units. Burning of smaller sub units will allow burning to be timed to more effectively take advantage of slight wind shifts and reduce time smoke will be put in the atmosphere as compared to one larger burn. Smaller sub units also allow for more options to utilize burn patterns that can minimize smoke output. Use of backing fires will be used where possible. Large free running head fires will not be used.

Prescribed burn personnel working in direct smoke will be rotated in and out as required to ensure firefighters are minimized to the effect of heavy smoke.

17.2 Downwind Affected Areas

There is no one which will be directly affected by smoke within ten kilometers of the burn unit.

17.3 Mitigation Measures

Conducting burn operations with winds speeds 15 km/h or less and with atmospheric conditions allowing for good vertical lifting of smoke to an altitude of 500 feet or more above ground level will minimize smoke to downwind areas.

18.0 Safety Plan

18.1 Briefings

All participants on the prescribed burn operation will be briefed each morning as well prior to igniting a new sub unit during each operational period. The briefing will include:

1. Introduction of members and their roles and positions on the burn. When new personnel arrive at the burn introductions, previous assignments and new assignments will be repeated and discussed. 2. Review objectives and limitations. 3. Review fire prescription. 4. Review ignition / holding plan. 28

- Objectives. - Potential problems. - Crew and equipment assignments. - Methods, devices, and patterns to be used for ignition. - Point out / review physical boundary of burn unit and its sub units. - Review cease fire protocol. 5. Review contingency plan. - Locations of values at risk. - Problem areas. - Secondary containment lines and control points. - Point out / review physical boundary of containment zone. - Review expected response to fire in and out of containment zone and to wildfires. - Review triggers for wildfire status and cease fires. 6. Assure primary positions receive copies of maps, instructions, fire plans. 7. Review safety plan. - Identify medical aid personnel and first aid locations. - Review and discuss LACES. - Discuss evacuation procedures and rendezvous locations. - Identify hazards and discuss safety procedures required deal with hazards. 8. Review communications plan, radio assignments and conduct radio checks. 9. Review fire weather. - Current and predicted Fire Weather Indices. - Current weather observations and predicted weather from spot forecasts. - Review who is monitoring weather and when weather updates will be broadcast. 10. After action review (post-burn). - Debrief operational delivery of the prescribed burn. - Provide recommendations to improve future prescribed burn operations. - Identify and address any safety issues. - Identify and address any logistical concerns.

18.2 LACES

LACES are to be adhered to at all times during the entire burn operations. Supervisors are to review with their assigned personnel and will ensure everyone knows where their escape routes and safety zones are at all times.

Lookouts – personnel in charge of supervision and fire behaviour monitoring will act as lookouts and report any dangers.

Anchor Points – Ignition patterns will always begin from an established black line or secure fire barrier.

Communications – All communications will be done according to the predetermined communications plan, (see section 21.1 of prescribed burn plan).

Escape Routes – Escape routes include any safe line of travel into a blackened area or onto a roadway or wetted area and must be timed to the slowest individual on the crew.

Safety Zones – Any blackened area or an area devoid of vegetation of sufficient size so crews will not be injured from radiant heat or flame impingement from fire. Roadways of sufficient width can act as a safety zone.

18.3 On Site Evacuation Procedures

If an on-site evacuation is necessary personnel will proceed to the staging area or other muster point as determine at the time to reorganize and account for everyone. All supervisors onsite are required to account for their assigned personnel (actual head count). Further direction will be provided at the muster point or staging area by Prescribed Fire Burn Boss.

18.4 Signage Requirements

Road closure signs and prescribed burn in progress signs will be placed along the road leading on to the Matador Prairie Protected Area form the adjoining provincial pasture. This is the only access route into the burn area.

18.5 Public Safety

The public will be informed of the burn as outlined in the communications plan, (section 21.2 of prescribed burn plan). No public access to the burn unit will be allowed during burning operations. Public and other individuals (i.e. media) may gain access to the burn unit only with a guided tour arranged through Prescribed Fire Burn Boss or through an assigned Communications Officer.

18.6 Authorized Personnel on Burn Unit Only

Only trained and qualified personnel will be permitted on the burn unit during firing operations and when active fire suppression activities are taking place. No one else will be allowed onsite.

18.7 Provincial Highway Safety

There are no provincial highways or municipal roads of concern within 10km of the burn unit.

18.8 Area Closures

Access to the burn unit will be restricted at the entrance to the Matador Prairie Protected Area through the Matador Provincial Community Pasture. The entrance will be marked and posted with prescribed burn in progress and only authorized personnel beyond this point. Only personnel directly associated with the burn will be allowed access to the burn area.

19.0 Prescribed Burn Complexity Rating

The Matador Prairie Protected Area Burn 2016 has been assessed through the Parks Division Prescribed Burn Complexity Rating Guide. Rating for the prescribed burn was established as a medium level burn (scored value of 55) requiring at minimum a Type 2 Incident Commander to oversee this prescribed burn operation, (see appendix 29.1.3).

20.0 Medical Plan

Figure 8. MPPA Prescribed Burn 2017 Medical Plan.

21.0 Communications Plan

21.1 Radio Frequencies and Phone Numbers Assigned to the Prescribed Burn Operations

Figure 9. Matador Prairie Protected Area Prescribed Burn 2017 Communications Plan.

MPPA Prescribed Burn 2017 Emergency Contact List

Telephone Contact # Function Comments System Cell 306-541-6755 Command Glen Longpre Cell Phone 306-519-7135 Landline 306-375-5525 Relay Messages Sask. Landing Admin. Office Landline 911 Emergency Services Police, Fire & Ambulance Landline / Cell 306-375-5525 Fire Support Dave Silversides - Park 306-375-7693 C Manager Landline / Cell 911 Fire Support Kyle / Beechy Fire Departments Landline / Cell 306-662-5401 Fire Support Cypress Hills Fire Base Landline / Cell 306-953-3406 Fire Support Prince Albert Fire Center Duty Officer Landline / Cell 1 866 404 4911 911Control Burn Glen Longpre to call to Center advise

Table 6. Matador Prairie Protected Area Prescribed Burn 2017 Emergency Contact List.

21.2 Public / Media Communications Plan

Method of News Pre-Burn Burn Day Post-Burn Release News Paper – News article to be SPD release one week prior Communications to implementation of Branch to prepare. burn in local LPU to newspapers. Tentative coordinate. release date April 25, 2017. Radio – SPD Public announcement Public Communications over local radio within announcement Branch to prepare. one week prior to day of burn. LPU to implementation of burn. coordinate. Tentative release date April 25, 2017. Sask, Landing PP Prescribed Burn Map Prescribed Prescribed Burn Plan Admin Office to and brief project Burn project & Map of Burn Unit. provide description providing description & Interpretive rationale and purpose of Map of Burn materials. burn. Unit. Sask Landing PP Prescribed Fire Burn Prescribed Fire Prescribed Fire Burn Admin Office to Boss day prior to burn to Burn Boss to Boss to advise 911 provide notice. provide notice to provide notice Burn Control Center, Saskatchewan 911 Burn to Kyle and WFM and local fire Control Center & Local Beechy Fire departments when Fire Departments of Departments burn operation has intent to conduct burn, of GO / NO been completed or as Park Manager to provide GO Decision required by Burn notice to local PA Fire Center Control Center. stakeholders, RDO of GO / landowners of intent to NO GO conduct prescribed burn. Decision & Sk 911 of GO / NO GO Decision. Public/Stakeholder One meeting will be 1 – 2 months N/A. Meetings. LPU & held in March / April of prior to burn. Park Manager to 2017. coordinate.

Table 7. MPPA Prescribed Burn 2017 public / media communications plan.

Parks Division will not be requesting a Communications Officer to be assigned to the Duck Mountain Prescribed Burn.

The Parks Division, Landscape Protection Unit will hold public meetings in early April of 2016 to ensure the burn plan is explained and to seek feedback and input relating to its implementation.

21.3 Key Messages

The following is a list of key messages approved by Parks Division for release to the public:

 Fire is a natural disturbance feature that plays a key role in the evolution of grassland and forest ecosystems in Saskatchewan.

 After a fire, the vegetation of a burned-over area quickly regenerates; fire does not harm ecosystems but contributes to long-term ecosystem health and greater biodiversity.

 The prescribed burn scheduled for MPPA in 2017 will be used as a part of an integrated control program for cool season exotic grass control.

 In cooperation with Saskatchewan Parks Division, the University of Saskatchewan will be studying the impacts of fire on the grassland at MPPA.

 Habitat quality following fire can have beneficial impacts on threated prairie bird species such as Sprague’s Pipit and Chestnut Collared Longspur.

 Over the past fifteen years, prescribed fire has been successfully used in many southern provincial parks to promote ecosystem health and biodiversity. Prescribed burns have been successfully implemented in Duck Mountain, Moose Mountain, Fort Carlton, Douglas, and Greenwater Lake Provincial Parks.

 In 2017 the Saskatchewan Parks Division plans to implement two other prescribed burns at Greenwater Lake and Pike Lake Provincial Parks.

21.4 Interpretive/Informational Materials

The Landscape Protection Unit will develop information sheets and maps to be distributed at the public / stakeholder meetings. An information sheet and map will also be placed on information boards located in the Sask. Landing Provincial Park Interpretive Center once the burn has been completed.

22.0 Stakeholder Consultation Plan

A list of stakeholders directly affected by the prescribed burn is compiled and has been placed in appendix 29.3.3 of this plan.

23.0 Logistical Support

23.1 Lodging

Overnight accommodations for incoming burn personnel will be located at motel facilities in Kyle. Landscape Protection Unit will arrange for accommodations and provide confirmation closer to when the burn occurs, sometime in mid-April. Landscape Protection Unit will be responsible for the costs of accommodations unless other arrangements are made.

23.2 Sustenance

Breakfast, lunches and suppers will be contracted and provided to all burn personnel working on the burn. Lunches will consist of bag lunch which will be eaten at the burn site. Breakfast and supper will be at local restaurants in Kyle.

23.3 Potable Water

Bottled water will be provided and available at the burn site. Empty water bottles are to be deposited in recycle stations set up at the burn. Specific directions will be provided at the orientation briefing.

23.4 Fuel

All motorized equipment will arrive fully fueled at the burn site. This includes fuel for water pumps, chainsaws, etc. There will be fuel on site with the mobile fire cache which will provide enough fuel for two operational periods. Fuel will also be available from service stations in Kyle. Refueling of vehicles is the responsibility of the operators and all vehicles are expected to be fueled prior to the start of each operational period.

24.0 Resource Requirements Summary RESOURCE QUANT. SUPPLIED BY Prescribed Fire Burn Boss 1 Sask. Parks Division (SPD) Safety Officer 1 Wild Fire Management Branch (WFM) Holding Specialist 1 WFM FBAN 1* SPD / WFM combined role Fire Wx/Behaviour 1* SPD Recorder Firing Boss 1 SPD Igniters 4 3 from WFM and 1 from SPD Task Force Leader 4 WFM Type I firefighter 14 WFM or other Agency Type II firefighter 10 WFM or other Agency Parks Division Crew 4 SPD High expansion foam units 2 WFM – wildland fire engine Wildand fire engine 6 SPD Water tender 2 SPD Trash Pump complete 2 SPD 50 man mobile cache 1 SPD Complete with 2 MKIII Pumps, 2 floto pumps, 2 chainsaws, 30 rolls of 1 ½ and 30 rolls 1” “ fire hoses, hand tools for 30 firefighters Handheld drip torches 8 SPD Water bladder 2000 gal. 1 SPD 5 lb fire extinguishers 2 SPD ATV’s & ATV trailers 4 / 3 SPD (3 / 2) WFM (1 / 1) Honda trash pump 2 SPD 20 liter jerry cans 8 SPD Spill kit 1 SPD Four wheel drive ½ - ¾ Ton 6 4 from SPD and 2 from WFM Trucks Mini van 1 SPD on site ambulance Hand held infrared scanner 1 WFM King Radios/FTR 40 / 10 WFM / SPD

Table 8. Resource requirement summary for the Matador Prairie Protected Area Prescribed Burn 2017.

25.0 Prescribed Burn Organization

Figure 10. MPPA Prescribed Burn 2017 Organization.

Finance / Administration, Planning and Logistics functions will be carried out by the Landscape Protection Unit.

26.0 Budget

26.1 Project Budget

# of Days

FN/NFPW WFM / Industry Total Positions SPD Daily Costs Total Direct Indirect (I.e. IC, F.B.A., OSC, Other (Meals & Holding Team, etc.) (Position Accommodation) Costs Costs

level) (Wages)

* Indicate Number of Persons Prescribed Fire Burn 1 - - - $150.00 4 $600.00 Boss Safety Officer 1 - - - $150.00 3 $450.00 Holding Specialist 1 - - - $150.00 4 $600.00 Task Force Leader 4 - - - $100.00 4 $1,600.00 Type 1 CRWM 14 - - - $100.00 3 $ 4 , 20 0.00 Type 2 CRWM - 10 - - $100.00 4 $4,000.00 Firing Boss 1 - - - $150.00 3 $450.00 Igniters 4 - - - $100 .00 3 $1,200.00 Park Crew 3 - - - $100.00 4 $1,200.00 LPU staff - SPD 2 $150.00 4 $1,200.00 Overtime $10,000.00 TOTALS 31 10 - - - - $25,500.00

Budget Requirements – Aircraft / Equipment Number Total Total Mileage Aircraft/Equipment $/km of Direct Indirect km vehicles Costs Costs Four X four ½ - ¾ ton trucks (4 WFM, 2 SPD) 1500 0.300 6 $2,700.00 - LPU CVA – 3 four x four units 1500 0.300 3 $1,350.00 - Wildland Fire Engine – diesel Fuel (1500 km) - - 2 $800.00 - One 12 passenger vans – Type 2 Crews 1500 1 $600.00 One minivan on site ambulance 1200 0.25 1 $300.00 Communications Media Releases $600.00

TOTALS - - $6,350.00 -

Budget Requirements - Other (I.e. fuel, foam, stationary, signage, media, etc.)

Total Direct Total Indirect Item Cost Cost Pump and drip torch fuel – 500 litres @ $1.00 litre $500.00 - Bottle water - 15 cases (24 bottles per case) @$10.00/case $150.00 - Purchase of fire equipment for burn – misc. $2,500.00 TOTALS $ 3,150.00 -

Budget Requirements Pre-burn Site Preparation/Vegetation Inventory

Number of Work Done or Item Equipment Used Personnel Daily Cost Cost Total Days Plot establishment CVA Unit / mower 2 1 $300.00 $400.00

TOTALS $400.00

TOTAL DIRECT PROJECT COST $35,400.00

Table 9. Matador Prairie Protected Area Prescribed Burn 2017 projected budget.

Note: The operational periods for each day of the Matador Prairie Protected Area Prescribed Burn 2017 will be established by the Parks Division Prescribed Fire Burn Boss. All overtime must be pre authorized by the Prescribed Fire Burn Boss for the Parks Division prior to anyone being released from the burn operation.

All operational staff are to be on site by 1300 hours the day prior to the burn to allow for orientation briefings, equipment placement and to become familiar with the burn unit and surrounding area.

27.0 Prescribed Burn Field Approval

The Prescribed Burn Approval Field Form will be filled in by the Prescribed Fire Burn Boss on site just prior to implementation of the burn. The GO / NO GO Decision will be provided to Kyle and Beechy Fire Departments, Regional Duty Officer at Prince Albert Fire Centre and to 911 Control Burn Center prior to ignition starting. A blank copy of the Prescribed Burn Approval Field Form is located in appendix 29.1.2.

28.0 Literature Cited

References Anonymous. 2007. Prairie Species-at-Risk Beneficial Management Practices Project. Draft Agricultural Beneficial Management Practices for Sprague’s Pipit (Anthus spragueii) on the Canadian Prairies. Alberta Provincial Papers. No publisher, no contact information available.

Champagne, J. 2011. Effects of fire on the distribution and abundance of Sprague’s pipit (Anthus spragueii) and their invertebrate prey. Thesis., University of Manitoba Winnipeg, Manitoba

Davis, S. K. 2005. Nest-site selection patterns and the influence of vegetation on nest survival of mixed-grass prairie passerines. Condor 107:605–616.

Cody, M. L., editor. 1985. Habitat selection in grassland and open-country birds. Pages 191–226 in Habitat selection in birds. Academic Press, Orlando, FL.

Danley, R. F., R. K. Murphy, and E. M. Madden. 2004. Species diversity and habitat of grassland passerines during grazing of a prescribe-burned, mixed-grass prairie. Western North American Naturalist 64:72–77.

Davis, S. K., D. C. Duncan, and M. Skeel. 1999. Distribution and habitat associations of three endemic grassland songbirds in southern Saskatchewan. Wilson Bulletin 111:389–396.

Fritcher, S. C., M. A. Rumble, and L. D. Flake. 2004. Grassland bird densities in seral stages of mixed-grass prairie. Journal of Range Management 57:351–357.

Hill, D. P., and L. K. Gould. 1997. Chestnut-collared longspur (Calcarius pictus). In the Birds of North America, No. 288 (A. Poole and F. Gill, eds.). The Birds of North America, Inc., Philadelphia, PA.

Madden, E. M., R. K. Murphy, A. J. Hansen, and L. Murray. 2000. Models for guiding management of prairie bird habitat in northwestern North Dakota. American Midland Naturalist 144:337–392.

Owens, R.A. and M.T. Myers. 1973. Effects of agriculture upon populations of native passerine birds of an Alberta fescue grassland. Canadian Journal of Zoology 51:697–713.

Stewart, Robert E. 1975. Breeding Birds of North Dakota. Tri-College Center for Environmental Studies, Fargo, ND.

29.0 Appendices 29.1 Forms 29.1.1 Fire Weather and Fire Behaviour Monitoring 29.1.2 Go / No Go Checklist 29.1.3 Prescribed Burn Complexity Rating Guide 29.2 Maps 29.2.1 Burn Unit Map 29.2.2 Overview and Containment Area Map 29.2.3 RM Victory Map 29.3 Plans 29.3.1 Consultation Plan 29.4 Letter of Intent to Stakeholders

29.1.1 Fire Weather and Fire Behaviour Monitoring

PRESCRIBED BURN MONITORING FORM – WEATHER AND FIRE BEHAVIOUR OBSERVATIONS BURN NAME: BURN LOCATION: DATE: RECORDED BY:

FIRE WEATHER Time Weather Hours Hours Hours Hours Hours Hours Hours Hours Hours Hours Hours Hours Hours Hours Av Wind Speed (km/h) Max Wind Speed (km/h) Wind Direction Temperature ( C) Relative Humidity (%) Cloud Cover (%) Atmospheric Stability Comments

FIRE BEHAVIOUR Time Behaviour Hours Hours Hours Hours Hours Hours Hours Hours Hours Hours Hours Hours Hours Hours Fuel Type Smoke Color Angle of Flame-Degrees Smoke Angle-Degrees Flame Length (m) Flame Height (m) Flame Depth (m) Rate of Spread (m/min) Fuel Consumption CFB Direct Fire Effects Comments

29.1.2 Go / No Go Checklist

PRESCRIBED BURN PLAN FIELD APPROVAL

TO BE SIGNED PRIOR TO IGNITION

I have read the fire prescription and burn plan and I am satisfied that:

1. All fire prescription specifications have been met. Yes No

2. All smoke management prescription specifications Yes No have been met.

3. The fire weather forecast is favorable. Yes No

4. All personnel have been briefed on the prescribed Yes No burn plan.

5. All personnel have been briefed on safety hazards, Yes No escaped routes, safety zones.

6. All required equipment is in place and in working Yes No order.

7. Sufficient backup resources are available in the Yes No event of an escaped fire.

8. Contact has been made with the Regional Duty Yes No Officer & 911 Burn Control Center and they are aware of the prescribed fire and the resources needed or on stand-by.

9. Has contact been made with the Regional Fire Yes No Manager?

Before ignition may proceed it is essential that contact be made with the local RDO to confirm that no other fires or priorities will interfere with the prescribed fire plan.

One or more NO’s = justify cancellation of the burn

The burn has my approval to proceed:

Prescribed Fire Burn Boss: ______Name Date Signature

29.1.3 Prescribed Burn Complexity Rating Guide

Parks Division Prescribed Fire Complexity Rating Guide Matador Prairie Protected Area Prescribed Burn 2017

The Prescribed Fire Complexity Rating Guide provides a method to assess and numerically rate the complexity level of a planned prescribed burn project. This rating guide incorporates an assigned numeric rating complexity value for specific complexity elements that are weighted in their contribution to overall complexity rating. The weighted value is then multiplied by the numeric rating value to provide a total value for that element. All elements are then added to generate the total project complexity value. Threshold values are provided for low and moderate and high complexity values. The prescribed fire complexity rating worksheet is accompanied (on the following pages) by written descriptors of each of the values representing the complexity elements which are shown in chart below.

Complexity Element Weight Rating Complexity Value Safety 5 1 5 Threats to Boundary 5 2 10 Fire Behaviour 5 1 5 Objectives 4 1 4 Management Organization 4 2 8 Ecological, Cultural & 3 1 3 Historical Values Improvement to be Protected 3 1 3 Within or Near Burn Area Air Quality Considerations 3 1 3 Logistical Considerations 3 2 6 Political Considerations 2 2 4 Tactical Operations 2 1 2 Multi Agency Involvement 1 2 2 Total Complexity Value 55

Complexity Rating: L M H Complexity Breakpoints: 40-51 52-84 85-120

Incident Commander 2 Required for Implementation of Projects with Rating of 40 – 51 Incident Commander 2 Required for Implementation of Projects with Rating of 52 – 84 Incident Commander 1 Required for Implementation of Projects with Rating of 85 – 120

Saskatchewan Parks Division Fire Complexity Rating Worksheet Numeric Rating Guide

COMPLEXITY GUIDE TO NUMERIC RATING ELEMENT 1 2 3 Safety  Safety issues are  Number of significant  Complex safety issues exist

easily identifiable issues have been  No vehicle access or remote and mitigated identified access only  All safety hazards have been identified and Weighting mitigated ( Example of Factor – 5 safety hazard analysis – LCES Worksheet) Threats to  Low risk of  Moderate risk of fire  High risk of fire breaching Boundary breaching boundary breaching boundary boundary

 Low risk of spotting  Moderate risk of spotting  High risk of spotting  Boundaries naturally  Boundaries need  Mitigation actions necessary defensible mitigation actions for to compensate for support to strengthen fuel continuous fuels, control breaks, control lines, etc. lines need to be widen in areas of high fuel concentrations along Weighting perimeter Factor – 5 Fire Behaviour  Low variability in  Moderate variability in  High variability in slope and Fuels / Weather slope & aspect slope & aspect aspect / Topography  Weather uniform &  Weather variable but  Weather variable and predictable predictable difficult to predict  Uniform fuel load /  Ladder fuels present  Extreme fire behaviour type potential  Fuel types/loads variable  Surface fuels (grass,  BUI indicates normal  Fuel types / loads highly needles) only conditions to moderate variable  Short duration fire drought conditions  Altered fire regime,

 No drought indicated hazardous fuel/stand density conditions exist

 Potentially long duration

fire

Weighting  BUI indicates severe Factor – 5 drought conditions

COMPLEXITY GUIDE TO NUMERIC RATING ELEMENT 1 2 3

Objectives  Maintenance  Restoration objectives  Restoration objectives in objectives altered fuel situations  Reduction of both live &  Broad prescription dead fuels  Precise treatment of fuels & broad  Moderate to substantial multiple ecological objectives  Easily achieved changes in two or more  Major change in structure of 2 objectives strata of vegetation or more vegetative strata

 Objectives judged to be  Conflicts between objectives moderately hard to & constraints achieve  Requires a high intensity fire  Objectives may require or a combination of fire \Weighting moderate intense fire intensities difficult to achieve Factor - 4 behaviour Management  Personnel  Personnel requirements  Personnel requirements 25 or Organization requirements less 13 - 24 individuals greater than 12 individuals  Multiple Strike Teams /  Multiple Branch, divisions or  Single fire Task Force Teams groups required  no external required  Specialized resources needed personnel required  Short-term commitment to accomplish objectives of specialized resources Weighting  External Parks Division Factor - 4  External Park Division personnel required, including personnel required interagency personnel Ecological,  No risk to  Several values to be  Numerous values and / or high Cultural, & ecological, cultural protected values to be protected Historical Values &/or historical to be Protected  Mitigation through  Severe damage likely without resources within or planning and / or significant commitment of adjacent to fire preparations is required specialized resources with Weighting  Require some appropriate skill level Factor - 3 commitment of specialized resources

COMPLEXITY GUIDE TO NUMERIC RATING ELEMENT 1 2 3 Improvements  Minimal threat to  There are limited number  Several improvements of to be Protected improvements, of high value located high level value are located Within or Near private or other adjacent or near the burn adjacent to or near the burn Burn Area agency lands area – moderate threat to area – substantial threat to

 Protection of values improvements, private or improvements, private or other agencies other agencies requires no special management or  Protection of off site  Protection of off-site values equipment or skill values requires special requires special management  Implementation will management  Development of special not damage special  Ignition and or holding ignition and holding plans features or adversely plans require adjustments are required to ensure affect on site to ensure protection of protection of values – resource values values – some pre-burn considerable pre burn preparation is required preparation is required  Resource values within or near burn  Implementation problems  Implementation problems Weighting unit are easy to will result in moderate will result in substantial Factor - 3 protect damage or some loss to damage to or destruction of values values Air Quality  Few smoke sensitive  Multiple smoke sensitive  Multiple smoke sensitive Considerations areas near fire areas, but smoke impact areas with complex mitigated in plan mitigation actions required  Smoke produced less than 1 burning  Smoke produced 2-4  Health or visibility period burning periods complaints likely  Air quality agencies  Low potential for  Smoke produced greater than generally require scheduling conflicts with 4 burning periods only initial other agencies  Violation of provincial or notification &/or federal health standards permitting possible Weighting  No potential for  High potential for scheduling Factor - 3 scheduling conflicts conflicts with other agencies with other agencies Logistical  Easy access  Difficult access  No vehicle access Considerations  Duration of fire  Duration of fire support 4-  Duration of support greater support less than 4 10 days than 10 days days  Logistical position  Multiple logistical positions required required Weighting Factor - 3  Anticipated difficulty in  Remote camps & support obtaining resources necessary

COMPLEXITY GUIDE TO NUMERIC RATING ELEMENT 1 2 3 Political  No impact on  Some impact on neighbors  High impact on neighbors or Considerations neighbors or or visitors visitors visitors  Some controversy, but  High internal or external  no controversy mitigated interest & concern  no media interest  Press release issued, but no  Media present during Weighting media activity during operations Factor - 2 operations Tactical  Simple ignition  Multiple ignition methods  Complex firing patterns Operations patterns and/or sequences highly dependent upon local conditions  Single ignition  Use of specialized ignition method used methods (terra-torch, AID)  Simultaneous use of  Holding  Simultaneous ground and multiple ignition patterns requirements aerial ignition applications and / or methods

minimal  Operational resources  Simultaneous ground & aerial ignition  Operational required for up to one week resources required  Holding actions to check,  Operational resources for less than 4 days direct, or delay fire spread required for greater than 1 week  Success of actions critical to accomplishment of objectives

 Aerial support for Weighting mitigation actions Factor - 2 desirable/necessary Multi Agency  Outside agencies  Simple joint-agency project  Complex multi-agency Involvement not involved in  Some resource competition projects operations for resources  High competition for Weighting  No concerns  Some concerns resources Factor - 1  High concerns

29.2 Maps 29.2.1 Burn Unit and Containment Area Map

29.2.2 RM of Victory #226

29.3 Plans 29.3.1 Consultation Plan

MPPA Prescribed Burn 2017 - List of Stakeholders to be Contacted

Name Title Company/Group Address City Postal Phone Code Eric Lamb Professor U of S University of Saskatchewan [email protected] Saskatoon 306-966-1799 Jeremy Simpson Pasture Manager Matador Provincial Pasture Kyle 306-375-7107 Diane Watt Administrator RM of Victory #226 [email protected] Beechy 306-859-2270 Yvonne Nelson Administrator RM of Lacadena #228 [email protected] Lacadena 306-574-4753 Ed Bothner Land Owner Bothner Farm & Ranch Ltd. [email protected] Beechy 306-859-4602 Elwin Hermanson Land Owner Beechy 306-859-2097 John Waldner Land Owner Matador Hutterite Colony [email protected] Kyle 306-375-1206 Linda & Hugh Land Owner Hughandlindahawkins Hawkins @sasktel.net Kyle 306-375-2844 Donald Hodgins Land Owner SCDR Farms Ltd. Kyle 306-375-2239

29.3 Letter of Intent to Stakeholders

1st Floor, 3211 Albert Street REGINA SK S4S 5W6

April , 2017

NAME ADDRESS CITY PR PC

Dear Stakeholders:

The Ministry of Parks, Culture and Sport, Parks Division is planning on conducting a prescribed burn in Matador Prairie Protected Area, tentatively between May 5 and May 15, 2017, weather permitting. The burn is being done to assist with invasive exotic plant species control (Kentucky bluegrass) in the west central half of the protected area. The burn area will be approximately 130 hectares or 320 acres in size and will be supported by wildfire management personnel from Ministry of Environment, parks personnel and trained personnel from the University of Saskatchewan. I will attach a map of the burn area for your reference. If you wish to receive a copy of the burn plan please let me know and I can either mail you a hard copy or send one electronically via e-mail.

Prescribed fire is a proven vegetation management tool which can be effectively and safely applied to improve ecosystem health and biodiversity. Parks Division of the Ministry of Parks, Culture and Sport has been using prescribed fire successfully over the past fifteen years to address ecosystem health concerns on various park lands across the southern half of Saskatchewan.

If you have any concerns or questions which you would like to discuss regarding the Matador Prairie Protected Area Prescribed Burn 2017 please feel free to contact myself by e-mail at [email protected] or by phone 306-787-0846.

In closing, I look forward to hearing from you and I would appreciate any input you may have in helping us become better Stewards of the natural ecosystems found in our provincial park system. Thank you and have a great day!

Sincerely,

Glen Longpre Manager, Landscape Protection Unit Ministry of Parks, Culture and Sport Parks Division cc: Dave Silversides, Park Manager, Saskatchewan Landing Provincial Park

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