For Immediate Release
April 3, 2008
NIAGARA PARKS TO UNDERTAKE THREE PRESCRIBED BURNS
ALONG ITS NIAGARA PARKWAY
Niagara Falls, ON –The Niagara Parks Commission (NPC) in partnership with Land Care Niagara will be conducting three (3) Prescribed Burns along its Niagara Parkway this spring, in order to create a more healthy and sustainable environment for its plant life and those animals found within its naturalized areas.
According to NPC Chairman Jim Williams, “safety is a prime focus in the planning of these projects, and I am pleased to say we have had excellent response and support to carry out these prescribed burns from the Ministry of Natural Resources, as well as from our local municipal offices and fire departments.” Chairman Williams went on to state, “These prescribed burns are vital to enhance the health of our naturalized areas, all while protecting native plants and species at risk. More importantly, we do so only if we are able to ensure the safety of our residents, visitors, partners, staff and of course the parklands we are mandated to protect.”
As with any exercise of this nature, atmospheric conditions will be a prime consideration in order to avoid smoke impact on local properties near the burn sites. The prescribed burns are scheduled to take place at the following areas between the dates of April 15th and May 10th:
- Chinquapin Oak Savannah, located north of the Niagara Parks Botanical Gardens
- Prairie plot north of Lilac Gardens, located north of the Niagara Parks Floral Clock
- Paradise Grove, located along the Niagara River Parkway north of East/West Line
NPC will be hosting a public open house on Thursday, April 10 at 8:00 p.m. at the Niagara Parks Queenston Chapel (14419 Niagara Parkway, Queenston, ON - Parking available on site) to discuss these initiatives. A presentation, followed by a question and answer period with Niagara Parks Naturalist, Robert Ritchie and Rural Lambton Stewardship Network Prescribed Burn Coordinator, Jack Chapman will take place. For further information on the project and to R.S.V.P. for the public open house, please contact Robert Ritchie, Niagara Parks Naturalist at: (905) 356-8554 Ext. 264.
The Niagara Parks Commission is an Operational Enterprise Agency of the Ministry of Tourism. NPC’s mission is to preserve and enhance the natural beauty of the Falls and the Niagara River corridor for the enjoyment of visitors, all while maintaining financial self-sufficiency.
Contact:
Tony Baldinelli, Communications Manager
tbaldinelli@niagaraparks.com
(905) 371-0837
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