Fuel Management Task Team

Providing Resources and Tools to Help Communities Manage the Risk of Wildfire

While fuel management is not new – First Nations have historically used fire to manage forests – wildfires combined with the MPB infestation have been a catalyst for looking at fuel management in new ways. As a result, a First Nations/Government Fuel Management Task Team was established to provide resources and tools to help communities manage the risk of wildfire.

Team Members

Many First Nations and Government organizations play a role in fuel management and the MPB epidemic:

• First Nations Forestry Council (FNFC)
• First Nations’ Emergency Services Society (FNESS)
• First Nations Mountain Pine Beetle Initiative (FNMPBI)
• First Nations Bands and Tribal Councils through the MPB Emergency Response Team
• Indian and Northern Affairs Canada (INAC)
• Ministry of Forest and Range (MFR)
• Natural Resources Canada through the Canadian Forest Service (CFS).

Communities are at Risk

Recognizing that communities are at risk and that fuel management saves lives and protects property and traditional lands, the First Nations/Government Fuel Management Task Team is committed to enhancing community health, safety and well being while respecting First Nations cultural beliefs, traditions and practices.

Providing Tools and Resources

Acknowledging that success requires cooperation, the team has a plan for increasing awareness and participation of First Nations territories and communities in fuel management. That plan includes providing 103 First Nations communities potentially affected by the MPB with a tool kit (under development) that includes key contacts, funding sources, how to access resources, best practices, a community readiness checklist and more.

In addition to supporting all affected First Nations communities, the Team is working with communities to develop fuel management plans that identify hazard areas, priorities, recommendations for treatment and the associated costs.

Fuel Management Task Team Update

November 2007