The Wasagaming townsite in Riding Mountain National Park. (CHRISD.CA FILE)
Crews in Riding Mountain National Park are removing trees planted on native grassland to prevent the risk of forest fires.
Work in the Clear Lake area began Friday and is part of a long-term project to protect homes, cottages, and businesses from wildfire since 1990.
“The white spruce plantations were originally planted on native grasslands between 1940 and 1960. As these trees were planted very close together, they are considered to be highly flammable, increasing the threat to property and danger for firefighting crews in the event of a wildfire,” Parks Canada said in a release.
About 25 hectares still remains to be managed in helping prevent fire near the Wasagaming, Manitoba townsite area.
Firewood will be salvaged where feasible, where logging debris and trees that cannot be saved for firewood will be burned.
The project is being worked on by Parks Canada fire crews, First Nations contractors, and other contractors.
Visitors are asked to use caution if travelling in the area due to the presence of falling trees, heavy equipment, vehicles, and people adjacent to Highway 10 and in the Wasagaming townsite.
