Parks Canada is planning prescribed fires between April 24, 2023, and May 31, 2023, in three areas of Riding Mountain National Park, weather permitting.
The areas that are targeted for spring 2023 will be:
• South Lake Prescribed Fire – 263 hectare area located along the western shores of Clear Lake with
boundaries along RR 354, and Frith Road (Figure 1)
• Lake Katherine Prescribed Fire – 100 hectare area along Bogey Creek between Highway 10 and Grey
Owl Trail (Figure 2)
• Menzie Prescribed Fire – 11,000 hectare area surrounding Whitewater Lake, Menzie Lake, and Peden
Prairie (Figure 3)
The prescribed fires are being conducted to improve the ecological condition of fire-dependent forest and grassland communities, and to reduce the risk of a severe fire occurring in Riding Mountain National Park.
Parks Canada takes wildfire preparedness including risk reduction activities seriously. Through safe and effective fire management, we are reducing the danger of wildfire to the public, infrastructure, and neighbouring lands, while improving the ecological health of the forests and grasslands.
There will be periodic trail, backcountry campsite and road closures during the burns that may affect visitors in the areas. Temporary closures including South Lake Trail, Frith Beach Road, Grey Owl Trail, Kinosao Trail, Brule Trail, Whitewater and Gunn Lake backcountry campsites, Central Trail from Gunn Creek to Long Lake
junction, and Baldy Lake Trail are expected at various times. These closures will be lifted as soon as it is safe to do so to minimize the disruption to park visitors.
The safety of the public, fire crews, and neighbouring lands is a top priority for Parks Canada. Local landowners, stakeholders and nearby communities may see smoke.
More information about Parks Canadas Fire Management Program can be found at:
https://parks.canada.ca/nature/science/conservation/feu-fire
