Five Year Forestry Restoration Program

Submitted by Columbia Basin Trust

For generations, ʔa·kinq̓uku—or fire—has played an important part in ecosystem renewal in the East Kootenay. In the community of ʔaq̓am, it also has a significance that connects to a long history of stewardship of ʔamakʔis Ktunaxa.

In 2019, ʔaq̓am began implementing a five-year project to restore approximately 1,300 hectares of mature forest, open forest and open grassland—using prescribed burns and selective harvesting techniques—to improve biodiversity, reduce wildfire risk and enhance the overall health of this part of its traditional territory.

By thinning dense Douglas fir, the project aims to improve habitat for elk, deer and several rare and endangered species, including the flammulated owl, Lewis’s woodpecker and little brown bat.

Columbia Basin Trust supports the ideas and efforts of the people in the Columbia Basin. To learn more about the Trust’s programs and initiatives, and how it helps deliver social, economic and environmental benefits to the Basin, visit ourtrust.org or call 1.800.505.8998.

Find the full story here: https://stories.ourtrust.org/reviving-an-ecosystem-with-ancestral-techniques/