Contractors for the Essex Region Conservation Authority (ERCA) and Nature Conservancy of Canada (NCC) conducted a prescribed burn of approximately 20 hectares of Phragmites within Tremblay Beach Conservation Area on Sunday, March 29.

This work is part of a coordinated effort to manage and restore this ecologically significant wetland.

Weather conditions opened a window to conduct the burn over the weekend, and contractors mobilized quickly on Sunday to ensure this work could take place while flora and fauna remained dormant.

Like many of the Essex region’s wetlands, Tremblay Beach has been overtaken by invasive Phragmites, limiting native species’ ability to flourish.

“Prescribed fire is an effective means of removing the dead phragmites to improve the wetland’s ecological health,” said Kevin Money, ERCA’s Director of Conservation Services. “The success of Sunday’s burn will help the wetland to thrive again, and we are grateful to the professional contractors who were able to respond quickly as the weather improved.”

The prescribed burn was ignited by hand and carried out by trained and certified professionals with extensive expertise in fire behaviour and control, who remained at the site through the night to ensure the continued safety of the site and the neighbouring properties.

Weather conditions must be just right to conduct a prescribed burn safely, and within appropriate time windows.

“Removing these dense stands of invasive Phragmites will help native plants and wildlife to return and thrive, while reducing flood risk, improving water quality and enhancing recreational opportunities,” says Kyle Borrowman, NCC’s Habitat Restoration Manager. “Working collaboratively with all partners ensures this important work is done safely and benefits the entire community.”