nature conservancy of canada

Garry Oak Preserve Wildfire Management Plan

The Nature Conservancy of Canada (NCC) manages one of Canada’s last remaining examples of lowland Garry oak (Quercus gorryana) woodland habitats, located at the Cowichan Garry Oak Preserve (CGOP).  Garry oak woodlands are adapted to frequent, low-severity fire and historically depended on them to maintain their structure and geographic extent. Although the occurrence of severe wildfire behavior in this habitat type is generally low, the NCC commissioned Diamond Head Consulting to prepare a Wildfire Management Plan to remain prepared for irregularities, and for areas with higher threat such as those with coniferous forest cover. Following field assessments and a review of historic data, the project recommendations include prescribed burns, a regular thinning and pruning program, and reassessment of threat every 5 years an minimum. The threat and mitigation plan will also be communicated with the public for awareness and preparation.