Fire for fauna Using an ecosystem process to support ecological integrity and species at risk at Grasslands National Park

Fire and grazing shaped grassland ecosystems for millennia. By suppressing fires, humans have altered habitat heterogeneity, which is a key requirement for multiple species at risk (SAR). Applying prescribed fire and allowing grazers (e.g., cattle, bison) to respond to it will create and sustainably manage habitat for threatened upland songbird species such as Chestnut-collared Longspur, Sprague's Pipit, McCown's Longspur. Fire is also an important habitat management tool to assist SAR recovery. Approach — Create and maintain favourable conditions for the natural colony expansion of Black-Tailed Prairie Dogs and enhance nesting and brood-rearing habitat for Greater Sage Grouse by using prescribed fire and other available tools. — Use prescribed fire to help shape bison grazing patterns, thus supporting habitat management strategies that will allow the park to make informed decisions with respect to herd management. — Use prescribed fire to continue to improve the Ecological Integrity of the grassland ecosystem, while strategically preventing fuel accumulation and the risk of large, uncontrolled wildfires.