By Luke Jorgensen, AAg, Range Management Extension Specialist, Weyburn
March 2025
Fire has shaped the rangelands of the Canadian Prairies for thousands of years. Historically, Indigenous peoples used fire as a tool to influence bison grazing patterns through renewal of highly palatable grasses. Recent patterns of fire suppression have taken away this key ecological interaction, but prescribed fire has been making a comeback as a tool for effectively managing rangeland ecosystems.
The Role of Fire in Rangeland Ecosystems
Fire is part of what is called a “disturbance regime.” This describes the biological and environmental factors that shaped the evolution of the plant and animal species native to Saskatchewan. These species are adapted to patterns of fire and grazing, and effective application of fire can contribute to healthy, productive and resilient rangelands.
Photo credit: Canadian Prairies Prescribed Fire Exchange
The effects of fire can vary, but prescribed fire can contribute to:
- Mitigating brush encroachment – Over time, woody plants such as aspen and wolf willow can take over grasslands, shifting the plant community and reducing productivity. Fire helps keep these species in check, maintaining open, productive rangelands.
- Reducing wildfire risk – Regular, controlled burns help prevent the buildup of excessive plant material that can fuel large, uncontrolled wildfires. Managing fire proactively can reduce the risk of severe wildfires that threaten both rangelands and nearby communities.
- Managing litter accumulation – Litter is often an indicator of a healthy rangeland, and it performs many key functions. However, in some cases, such as in complexes created by woody plant encroachment or areas that have not been grazed adequately, excess litter can reduce ecosystem function. Removing old, dead plant material allows sunlight to reach new growth, improving forage production.
- Enhancing forage quality and palatability – Following a burn, fresh regrowth is more digestible, more palatable and richer in crude protein and other nutrients. This can improve the performance of grazing livestock.
- Increasing habitat diversity for wildlife – Fire creates a diverse landscape by promoting a mix of plant species and structures. This benefits a variety of wildlife species by providing better nesting, cover, and foraging opportunities.
Considering Prescribed Fire as a Management Tool
While prescribed fire has clear benefits, it is often overlooked in modern rangeland management due to logistical and regulatory challenges. Prescribed fire is a tool that must be applied safely, and it takes a lot of knowledge, experience, planning and resources to minimize risk. However, interest in fire as a management tool is growing, and resources are available to support producers interested in learning more.
The Canadian Prairie Prescribed Fire Exchange (CPPFE) is a key organization working to promote safe and effective prescribed fire use in the region. They provide research, training and collaboration opportunities for land managers and producers.
For those looking to improve rangeland health, prescribed fire is a tool worth considering. Each operation is unique, and prescribed fire may not be suitable for every situation. However, when applied correctly, fire can be a cost-effective and ecologically beneficial strategy for maintaining productive rangelands.
For more information, visit the Canadian Prairie Prescribed Fire Exchange website or contact your local range management extension specialist.