Prescribed Burning for Stand Conversion in Budworm-killed Balsam Fir: An Ontario Case History
Problem Addressed: Balsam fir mortality from spruce budworm infestations
Key Findings: The Northern Region of OMNR, which has extensive balsam fir morality, burned 1,525 ha in this fuel type in 1983 and plans are in place for an expanded program in future years.
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- McRae, D.J.
Canadian Forestry Service
Recent spruce budworm (Choristoneura fumiferana [Clem.]) infestations have resulted in widespread areas of balsam fir (Abies balsamea [L.] Mill.) mortality in Ontario, and there is growing interest in reestablishing these areas quickly as productive forests. One technique being used in prescribed fire after a salvage and bulldozer tramping operation. A 445-ha prescribed burn was carried out under moderate fire danger conditions in northern Ontario. The site, which was covered by balsam fir fuel that had been killed by spruce budworm, was tramped to improve fire spread. Weather, fuel consumption, and fire effects are reported. The burn effectively reduced heavy surface fuel loadings and consequently planting on the site was easier.
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