EKOS Communications, Inc.

Weather permitting the Mitchell Ridge Prescribed Burn, in Kootenay National Park is planned for this spring or fall. It will help restore the ecological role of fire, reduce Mountain Pine Beetle habitat, and protect people and property from wildfire by reducing fuel loads in the Kootenay Valley. In preparation for this burn a fireguard is being established right now while the ground is frozen. This will help minimize the impact of mechanical equipment on plants and soil. About 113 hectares (1.13 sq km) of forest will be thinned on the south end of Mitchell Ridge. The thinned area will be clearly visible to motorists driving Hwy 93, especially from the Kootenay Valley Viewpoint. For more information read Marla Oliver, Fire Communications Officer, article A Cool Time for a Hot Topic in the Valley Echo http://www.bclocalnews.com/kootenay_rockies/invermerevalleyecho/news/15739062.html and go to Kootenay's website http://www.pc.gc.ca/pn-np/bc/kootenay/plan/feu-fire/feu-fire-mitchell_E.asp The news paper also covers Rick Kubian’s talk on “Altered Landscapes: History of Fire” which he presented to the public as park of the Wild Voices Speaker Series. http://www.bclocalnews.com/kootenay_rockies/invermerevalleyecho/news/15739017.html