Fire Risk Reduction in the Coastal Douglas-fir Biogeoclimatic Zone

This comprehensive, full-day workshop brought together over 70 participants, including FireSmart Coordinators, forest managers, BC Wildfire Service, Fire Rescue, First Nations representatives, and local government to address fire risk in the Coastal Douglas-fir (CDF) Biogeoclimatic Zone. With 70% of the CDF zone under private ownership, participants explored how communities can adapt to increasing fire risk through stewardship, ecological restoration, and collaboration.

This workshop was inspired by climate adaptation research and restoration work in the Mt. Maxwell Watershed led by Transition Salt Spring’s Climate Adaptation Research Lab (CARL). The event explored regional strategies for forest management, policy reform, and community resilience in the face of intensifying wildfire threats.

A Practitioner’s Workshop Hosted by Transition Salt Spring

Host: Transition Salt Spring
Facilitator: Carrie Oloriz
Duration: 5 hour 3 minutes
Watch the Recording

What You’ll Learn

  • Fire risks specific to the Coastal Douglas-fir zone
  • The role of private land in fire risk and mitigation
  • Examples of successful forest restoration and wildfire prevention
  • How local communities are addressing forest health and climate resilience
  • The importance of Indigenous knowledge in ecosystem stewardship
  • The challenges and opportunities of managing fire in island ecosystems

Key Takeaways

  • Wildfire risk in the CDF zone is rising due to climate change, land use history, and fragmentation
  • Active management—including thinning, prescribed burns, and ecosystem restoration—is needed
  • Private landowners must be empowered and supported to reduce fire risk
  • Stewardship rooted in Indigenous knowledge and ecological science is critical
  • Coordinated action between communities, experts, and government can improve outcomes
  • Long-term investment in education, local employment, and knowledge-sharing is essential

Presenters

  • Adam Olsen, MLA, Saanich North & the Islands – Indigenous values and responsibility
  • Elder Robert George (Qwiahultuhw), Cowichan Tribes – Welcome and land acknowledgment
  • Dimitri Vaisius, BC Wildfire Service – Wildfire trends and regional data
  • Mark Lombard, Cortes Community Forest – Community-led co-managed forestry
  • Robert Seaton, Transition Salt Spring – Climate-adapted thinning and restoration
  • Bowie Keefer, Galiano Eco Forestry Association – Post-industrial private forest restoration
  • Jay Zakaluzny, Parks Canada – Prescribed burns and FireSmart integration
  • Tony Botica, BC Wildfire Service – Community Resiliency Investment Program
  • Conor Corbett, Diamond Head Consulting – Wildfire risk planning
  • Marlow Pellatt, Parks Canada – Ecosystem science and paleoecology
  • David Haley, CDF Conservation Partnership – Managing fire risk in private forests
  • Margaret Symon, Strathcona Forestry – Professional forestry perspective
  • Mitchell Sherrin, Salt Spring Fire Rescue – On-the-ground emergency response
  • Jonathan Reimer, CRD – Local government preparedness and next steps

Related Resources

Thanks to our sponsors:
Islands Trust, North Salt Spring Waterworks District, and Environment and Climate Change Canada.