Learning Objectives

Introduction

Issues and Challenges

Herbicides

Mechanical Operations

Burning

Reforestation

Stand Tending

Fertilizing

Rehabilitating Degraded Features and Sites

Self-check

Karst Management Handbook for
British Columbia

Burning

The following section summarizes the recommended best management practices for burning on karst terrain. Be sure to check out more detailed information in the Karst Management Handbook for British Columbia.

Low Vulnerability Areas

The following best management practice is recommended:

• Consider the potential impacts of burning on nearby or adjacent high vulnerability karst areas (e.g., smoke entering significant caves can reduce air quality for cave fauna or recreationists, and discolour delicate formations such as stalactites).

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Moderate Vulnerability Areas

In addition to the recommendations for low vulnerability areas, the following best management practices are recommended on moderate vulnerability areas:

• Limit burning to spot, small pile, or light spring broadcast burns in areas where the soil cover is sufficiently thick to protect underlying karst resources.
• Use road prisms and/or landings for burning sites.
• Avoid piling and burning slash on exposed epikarst, or near surface karst features or cave entrances.
• Avoid using chemical fire retardants/suppressants.
• As an alternative to burning, consider accumulating and leaving slash in small piles located away from exposed epikarst, surface karst features and cave entrances.

High Vulnerability Areas

In addition to the recommendations for low and moderate vulnerability areas, the following best management practice is recommended on high vulnerability areas:

• Broadcast burning should not occur on high vulnerability areas.

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