| Site Feature |
Importance and Considerations |
| Size |
Knowing
the size of the project site will help determine the amount
of plant material necessary, type of equipment and labour required,
and time and cost involved.
|
| Past
and current uses of the site |
Uses
include any activities that may pose a safety risk or interfere
with the success of the planting project – for example,
use of herbicides or salt whose residue may prevent growth of
native plants, waste disposal such as sewage sludge or construction
waste and recreational use such as all terrain vehicle (ATV)
or bike trails that may not be compatible with the new project. |
| Existing
vegetation |
Is
the site bare soil or lawn or corn field? Is there any existing
native vegetation that would fit into the planned project? Answers
to these questions will be important in planning site preparation.
Note the presence of any aggressive plant species that may cause
management problems – for example, quack grass and Canada
thistle. |
| Topography,
drainage patterns, other natural
features |
Locate
areas of high and low, wet and dry land; drainage patterns;
and watercourses. These features will have implications for
equipment use and species selection. Is there steep terrain
that might be erosion prone? Southern slopes tend to be hot
and dry and to favour certain species. Watercourse areas may
act as natural firebreaks
for prescribed burns. |
| Soil
type and moisture |
Is
the soil heavy clay
or coarse sand?
Is it rocky? Determine the soil pH,
level of fertility and organic-matter content by sending a soil
sample to a lab for analysis (see Soil
Analysis Services under Sources
of Materials, Specialized Equipment and Services). Soil
characteristics play a part in species selection and site-preparation
options. |
| Built
structures and facilities |
Note
the presence of buildings, power-line poles and fences, as well
as access to water and roads. Consider their location in terms
of the need for prescribed burns (some are hazards; others are
potential firebreaks). |
| Safety
and accessibility |
Can
the necessary equipment gain access to the site? If the intention
is to use the site for environmental education or other specific
reasons, is the site easily accessible and is it free of hazards?
Note any natural or built features that may pose safety issues. |
| Animal
life |
Note
the animal life currently using the site, and features such
as burrows and nests. Consider these in site planning. If possible,
make linkages to neighbouring natural areas to expand available
habitat. |
| Adjacent
land types and uses |
How
will neighbouring land use affect the project, and how will
the project activities affect neighbours? Invite the neighbours
to participate in the project from the planning process through
to planting. People are much more likely to accept something
they understand. Note possible weed sources, previous herbicide
use that may affect the planting, as well as flammable objects
or vegetation types that will have to be protected from prescribed
burning. |
| Prevailing
winds |
Wind
direction may affect the success and safety of prescribed burn
activity for prairie plantings. Design the site accordingly,
including relative placement of vegetation, buildings and viewing
platforms. |
