Primary Country (Mandatory)

United States

Other Country (Optional)

Set News Language for United States

Primary Language (Mandatory)
English
Other Language[s] (Optional)
No other language available

Set News Language for World

Primary Language (Mandatory)
English
Other Language(s) (Optional)

Set News Source for United States

Primary Source (Mandatory)
CNN
Other Source[s] (Optional)

Set News Source for World

Primary Source (Mandatory)
AajTak
Other Source(s) (Optional)
  • Countries
    • India
    • United States
    • Qatar
    • Germany
    • China
    • Canada
    • World
  • Categories
    • National
    • International
    • Business
    • Entertainment
    • Sports
    • Special
    • All Categories
  • Available Languages for United States
    • English
  • All Languages
    • English
    • Hindi
    • Arabic
    • German
    • Chinese
    • French
  • Sources
    • India
      • AajTak
      • NDTV India
      • The Hindu
      • India Today
      • Zee News
      • NDTV
      • BBC
      • The Wire
      • News18
      • News 24
      • The Quint
      • ABP News
      • Zee News
      • News 24
    • United States
      • CNN
      • Fox News
      • Al Jazeera
      • CBSN
      • NY Post
      • Voice of America
      • The New York Times
      • HuffPost
      • ABC News
      • Newsy
    • Qatar
      • Al Jazeera
      • Al Arab
      • The Peninsula
      • Gulf Times
      • Al Sharq
      • Qatar Tribune
      • Al Raya
      • Lusail
    • Germany
      • DW
      • ZDF
      • ProSieben
      • RTL
      • n-tv
      • Die Welt
      • Süddeutsche Zeitung
      • Frankfurter Rundschau
    • China
      • China Daily
      • BBC
      • The New York Times
      • Voice of America
      • Beijing Daily
      • The Epoch Times
      • Ta Kung Pao
      • Xinmin Evening News
    • Canada
      • CBC
      • Radio-Canada
      • CTV
      • TVA Nouvelles
      • Le Journal de Montréal
      • Global News
      • BNN Bloomberg
      • Métro
Banarasi Art Silk Saree Buy Now
Motorola Moto G Stylus 5G Buy Now
Casio A158WA: Unisex Digital Watch Buy Now
Women's Elastic Waist Running Shorts Buy Now
Fashion Wallet Chain Buy Now
High-Waisted Workout Leggings Buy Now
Kenneth Cole REACTION Mens Jeans Slim Fit Buy Now
GUESS Women's Pilot Sunglasses Buy Now
Ankle Resistance Bands for Booty Workouts Buy Now
NELEUS Women's Running Shorts Buy Now
Golden Hour Men's Stainless Steel Chronograph Watch Buy Now
Digital Camera for Photography 48MP Buy Now
Womens Ribcage Straight Ankle Jeans Buy Now
Lenovo 14" Business Laptop w/ 40GB RAM, 1TB SSD Buy Now
Dokotoo Pants for Women Buy Now
Seamless Racerback Sports Bra Buy Now
Phoenix Bracelet Buy Now
Dream Coat Anti-Humidity Spray Buy Now
LANEIGE Lip Glowy Balm Buy Now
Men’s Premium Skin Care Kit Buy Now
MoreBack to News Headlines
Forest thinning could serve multiple purposes in N.W.T.'s battle with climate change

Forest thinning could serve multiple purposes in N.W.T.'s battle with climate change

CBC
Monday, November 29, 2021 11:42 AM GMT

Our planet is changing. So is our journalism. This story is the first in a series, by CBC North, that examines carbon storage with the N.W.T.'s natural environment. It's also part of a CBC News initiative entitled Our Changing Planet to show and explain the effects of climate change and what is being done about it.

Just south of the N.W.T. border, a crew of six from Smith's Landing First Nation are cutting down trees, hauling them out of the forest, and setting fire to piles of pruned brush. 

The strategy is called forest thinning, and the community received funding from the Forest Resources Improvement Association of Alberta to use it on 7 hectares of forested land in Fort Fitzgerald, according to Becky Kostka, the First Nation's lands and resources manager. 

She said the area was prioritized for the association's FireSmart program because of the density of fast-burning spruce trees in the area, and their proximity to peoples' homes. 

Since late October, she said crew members have been cutting down trees so their crowns are three metres apart, pruning trees up to six metres, and clearing away ladder fuels — which are highly flammable vegetation, living or dead, that would allow fire to climb from the forest floor and into the tree canopy and to become more intense. 

The goal is to create space within the forest that would slow down a massive fire, she said. 

"Before, if you would stand in Fitzgerald and look to the forest, you couldn't see through the forest," said Kostka. "Now, slowly, as the crew is working, you can see further and further through the forest." 

Forest thinning has parallels with low-intensity burns — known as cultural burns — which were lit purposefully by Indigenous people around the globe to rebalance ecosystems. 

"Traditional knowledge tells us that actually burning in places helps us suppress forest fires in the long run," said Kostka. 

In Fort Fitzgerald, forest thinning is being used as a tool for adapting to the impact of wildfires, which are becoming more frequent and more severe as a result of the world's changing climate. But in the N.W.T., it's being tested out as a tool that could prevent the climate from changing even more. 

Tom Lakusta, manager of forest resources for the N.W.T.'s environment and natural resources department, said the territory thinned 11 hectares of forested land north of Sandy Lake, in the South Slave region, as part of a pilot project this fall.

The hope is the remaining trees will grow bigger and healthier, and will be able to suck twice as much carbon out of the atmosphere over the course of their lifetime.

Lakusta said pine trees have wax-covered cones that require a fire's heat to release their seeds. When a wildfire passes through a pine stand — lots of seeds take root in soil that's been freshly fertilized with ash.

As a result, he said a pine stand can grow much more densely and choke its own growth.

Read full story on CBC
Share this story on:-
Run 3 Space | Play Space Running GamePlay Run 3, the ultimate space tunnel running game with 300+ challenging levels!Adv.
Traffic Jam 3D | Online Racing GameTraffic Jam 3D is a game where you’ll be driving through heavy traffic.Adv.
Duck Hunt | Play Old Classic GamePlay the classic 1984 light gun shooter game Duck Hunt on your browser.Adv.
More Related News
President of Stratford Soccer Club warns someone is sending scam emails in her name

The president of the Stratford Soccer Club in central P.E.I. is warning parents of players that scammers are emailing requests for them to buy gift cards.

Garden Hill issues full-scale evacuation after wildfire enters northern Manitoba community

A wildfire has breached the northern Manitoba community of Garden Hill Anisininew Nation, prompting a "full-scale" evacuation order.

Ontario's needle distribution ban at HART Hubs puts people at risk, critics say

More than 600 individuals and organizations from across Ontario have signed a letter calling on the province to allow the distribution of syringes at Homelessness and Addiction Recovery Treatment (HART) Hubs, saying prohibiting them will put more people at risk of HIV and hepatitis C transmission.

Motion to dismiss Kamloops' mayor's defamation suit against councillor adjourned until September

A B.C. Supreme Court judge has adjourned a hearing on a defamation suit filed by Kamloops, B.C., Mayor Reid Hamer-Jackson, against one of the city's councillors until September.

Proteins from rhino fossil found in Nunavut crater dated to 20 million years

Scientists studying a 21 to 24-million-year-old rhino fossil found in the Haughton Crater on Nunavut's Devon Island say the high Arctic environment preserved the oldest recoverable ancient proteins found so far.

What we know (so far) about the plot to seize land in Quebec and the military men allegedly behind it

The RCMP made shocking allegations this week when they accused four men, including Canadian Armed Forces members, of amassing a trove of weapons and explosives as part of a scheme to take over land near Quebec's capital.

Oil and gas industry group backs proposed merger of Alberta's largest river basins

A Canadian oil and gas industry group is backing a proposal to consolidate Alberta's two largest river basins, a move that would make it easier for industry to transfer water in that area without requiring legislative approval.

The U.S. boycott remains strong. Why many Canadians are digging in their heels 

It's shaping up to be a record sales year at Maker House, an Ottawa gift shop where almost everything in the store — from furniture to food to greeting cards — is entirely made in Canada. 

Jonathan Toews's healing journey: From long COVID back to the NHL

Researchers working on treatments and cures for long COVID are closely watching newly signed Winnipeg Jets forward Jonathan Toews's healing journey — and his return to the NHL after two years away.

Fortis Canada Games Complex opens it doors ahead of summer event

Local athletes will have the chance to test out the facilities they will soon compete in during the 2025 Canada Games in St. John's.

Artist from Sudbury, Ont., takes on new challenge a year after brain surgery

More than a year after she had surgery following a brain aneurysm, Sudbury, Ont., artist Monique Legault says she's been keeping busy with her work.

Saga of Black Refugees who left N.S. 200 years ago shaped a Canadian trailblazer

When Rhonda McEwen received her official royal letter of appointment as an honorary captain of the Canadian navy in Halifax on June 21, it marked the latest chapter in her remarkable family history.

Woman charged with impaired driving after car crashes into Toronto restaurant

A woman has been charged with impaired driving after allegedly driving into a restaurant in Toronto early Saturday morning, police say. 

Parking Slot | Free Parking GamePlay Parking Slot, the best online 3D car driving and parking game.Adv.
Slope Ball Run - Play OnlineSlope Game takes you on an exciting journey of a ball on special paths.Adv.
Premier blasts Halifax council, cites 'serious disconnect' from citizens

Nova Scotia Premier Tim Houston has issued a scathing appraisal of Halifax regional council, saying there's a "serious disconnect" between the decisions being made and the desires of citizens, and indicating the province is examining whether to give the mayor more power.

Vehicle thefts in N.B. pave way for double-digit insurance rate hikes

Nicole Wilby's Jeep Grand Cherokee hasn't moved for the past few weeks. The rims and body of the vehicle are dented, scratched and covered in mud.  

Peel police say repeat drunk driver out on bail after Brampton crash should be 'behind bars right now'

A man arrested for impaired driving after a four-vehicle collision in Brampton, Ont., over the weekend is a repeat offender who has since been released on bail, Peel police say.

Montreal should stop dismantling homeless encampments, public consultation office says

A new report says Montreal should stop dismantling homeless encampments until the city develops a policy to better care for the unhoused.

Suspect in Saskatoon stolen truck pursuit facing 21 charges

A 32-year-old Saskatoon man is facing more than 20 charges after police pursued a stolen truck across the city on Wednesday morning.

SHA announces reduced hours at Regina Urgent Care Centre for 2nd time in a week

Further reductions to operating hours are set to go into effect at the Regina Urgent Care Centre (UCC) beginning Friday. 

3 Ontarians to have big P.E.I. drug seizure case heard in Supreme Court

The three people from Ontario accused in one of the largest drug busts in Prince Edward Island history will have their case heard in the P.E.I. Supreme Court after one of the accused people made that choice for the group without the other two being on board.

A volatile supply: how organizations are responding to constantly evolving street drugs

Danielle Lake has been sober for about six months. After spending five years addicted to opioids and a year on the streets, she made the decision to stop.

Serval owner says regulation and permitting for exotic cats is needed, not a full-on ban

A serval owner and Bengal and Savannah cat breeder in B.C.'s Central Okanagan is raising concerns about the province's proposal to ban the breeding, sale and future ownership of all exotic and non-domestic cats, including servals, ocelots and European wildcats. 

Alberta rules on school library books to start Oct. 1

Alberta's education minister says school libraries must pull explicit, sexual content from their shelves starting Oct. 1.

Teen charged with 1st-degree murder in stabbing death of 14-year-old: Toronto police

A 16-year-old boy has been arrested and charged in connection with the murder of Abdoul Aziz Sarr, 14, Toronto police say.

Teen fatally stabbed last weekend remembered as kind, hardworking person

Staff at a community health centre in Scarborough say a 14-year-old boy who was fatally stabbed in the city's east end last weekend was a kind, hardworking teenager who had a bright future ahead of him. 

© 2008 - 2025 Webjosh  |  News Archive  |  Privacy Policy  |  Contact Us