Fire protection and restoration projects

Annually, between October and March, Parks Canada will be selectively removing and/or limbing vegetation (branches, logs, shrubs) in the Dry Gulch area of southwestern Kootenay National Park.

This is part of a multi-year project to reduce Douglas fir forest encroachment on approximately 800 hectares of grassland ecosystems.

The thinning of dense vegetation helps to reduce wildfire risk and supports habitat restoration for a variety of wildlife species, including Rocky Mountain bighorn sheep. This project contributes to the larger grassland restoration efforts that have been conducted in southern Kootenay National Park such as Sinclair Canyon and Redstreak.

During Fall 2024 operations:

• There are no anticipated impacts to visitors or residents.
• All tree falling will be conducted by hand.
• Woody debris will be piled and burned during winter. Smoke may be visible along Highway 93-95 near Dry Gulch Provincial Park.

During wildfire risk reduction work, trees, tree limbs, and brush are put into piles. Sometimes these piles of woody debris are too wet, or venting conditions are too poor to burn. These piles are left, and crews return to burn when the piles are dry, and conditions are good.

The piles of woody debris are in different locations around Kootenay National Park.

Burning at each location will only take place when safe to do so and when appropriate venting conditions exist. Visitors and residents can expect to see smoke. Treatment areas will be closed when crews are burning the piles of woody debris. The work will not affect trails, roads, or facilities. Closure details will be posted on site. Please respect all closures and warning signs.