Embrace the Call, Preserve Them All
In the face of increasing environmental challenges, organizations like Friends of the Saskatoon Afforestation Areas are working tirelessly to conserve and protect the 192 hectares (474 acres) of greenspace in Saskatoon for years to come. As we navigate the current fire ban regulations, it is crucial to understand their importance and the potential impact on sensitive areas like the Richard St. Barbe Baker Afforestation Area (132 hectares / 326 acres) and George Genereux Urban Regional Park (60 hectares / 148 acres).
Flame-Free Future, Nature’s Greatest Feature!
The Saskatchewan Public Safety Agency has declared a significant number of fire bans across the province, with 108 active Rural Municipality (RM) fire bans, 38 active Urban Municipality fire bans, and 58 active Provincial Park fire bans.
Nurture Nature, Shield the Forests
The City of Saskatoon Bylaw No. 8286 The Smoking Control Bylaw prohibits smoking or vaping in outdoor public places owned or operated by the City. This includes parks, greenspace, trails, and dog parks.
Cedar Villa Estates Hamlet within the RM of Corman Park, borders the Richard St. Barbe Baker Afforestation Area. The RM initiated their fire ban on May 1, 2023, with strict regulations in place.
Under the RM fire ban, all fires within the RM area are prohibited. This includes extinguishing any outdoor fires currently burning and prohibiting the lighting of any new outdoor fires. The ban encompasses fire pits, burning barrels, controlled burns, and fireworks, with the only exceptions being internal household fireplaces and gas-fueled equipment like propane barbecues or fire pits.
These fire ban measures, implemented as per R.M. Fire Services Bylaw 05/21, will remain in effect until they are deemed appropriate to change. It is crucial for residents and visitors to familiarize themselves with these regulations to ensure compliance and prevent accidental fire ignitions.
The City of Saskatoon, where the Richard St. Barbe Baker Afforestation Area and the George Genereux Urban Regional Park is located, also has its own bylaw, the Fire and Protective Services Bylaw (No 7990). This bylaw specifies guidelines for setting open-air fires within the city limits to limit their spread and minimize the risk of wildfires.
These guidelines state that open-air fires when NOT in a fire ban should be contained in non-combustible receptacles made of cement, brick, or sheet metal with a minimum thickness of 18-gauge. The receptacles must be covered with a heavy gauge screen with openings not exceeding 13 millimeters. Additionally, the size of the firebox should not exceed 0.61 meters.
The fuel for open-air fires should consist only of charcoal or cut, seasoned wood. Burning materials such as rubbish, garden refuse, manure, livestock or animal carcasses, and any material that generates black smoke or an offensive odor is strictly prohibited. When NOT in a fire ban, then open-air fires in the proper receptacle must be reasonably supervised, adequately ventilated, and not set in windy conditions that may lead to their spread.
It is important to note that the current fire bans and regulations are not only in place to protect property but also to safeguard the natural environment and wildlife populations. According to The Guardian, humanity has already wiped out 60% of mammals, birds, fish, and reptiles since 1970. This alarming decline in wildlife populations has led experts to warn that the annihilation of wildlife is now an emergency that threatens civilization itself.
The Richard St. Barbe Baker Afforestation Area and George Genereux Urban Regional Park, having experienced nine consecutive years of drought, are particularly vulnerable to fire risks. The dense smoke from the fires in northern Alberta and northern Saskatchewan further exacerbates the situation, endangering both the flora and fauna within these green spaces.
To ensure the long-term conservation of these vital ecosystems and to protect the remaining wildlife, it is crucial for everyone to be informed about and strictly adhere to the current fire ban regulations. By refraining from activities that could inadvertently cause fires and by following the guidelines set by the RM and City, we can collectively work towards preserving these cherished natural areas.
Friends of the Saskatoon Afforestation Areas encourages residents, visitors, and the community to stay updated on the fire ban status provided by the Saskatchewan Public Safety Agency, municipal authorities, and local fire departments. By actively participating in fire prevention efforts and demonstrating responsible citizenship, we can help mitigate the risks of wildfires, preserve the environment, and protect the diverse wildlife populations and forests for generations to come.
Saskatchewan Public Safety Agency
For directions as to how to drive to “George Genereux” Urban Regional ParkFor directions on how to drive to Richard St. Barbe Baker Afforestation AreaFor more information:Blairmore Sector Plan Report; planning for the Richard St. Barbe Baker Afforestation Area, George Genereux Urban Regional Park and West Swale and areas around them inside of Saskatoon city limitsNEW P4G District Official Community PlanRichard St. Barbe Baker Afforestation Area is located in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada north of Cedar Villa Road, within city limits, in the furthest south west area of the city. 52° 06′ 106° 45′Addresses:Part SE 23-36-6 – Afforestation Area – 241 Township Road 362-APart SE 23-36-6 – SW Off-Leash Recreation Area (Richard St. Barbe Baker Afforestation Area ) – 355 Township Road 362-AS ½ 22-36-6 Richard St. Barbe Baker Afforestation Area (West of SW OLRA) – 467 Township Road 362-ANE 21-36-6 “George Genereux” Afforestation Area – 133 Range Road 3063Wikimapia Map: type in Richard St. Barbe Baker Afforestation AreaGoogle Maps South West Off Leash area location pin at parking lotWeb page: https://stbarbebaker.wordpress.comWhere is the Richard St. Barbe Baker Afforestation Area? with mapWhere is the George Genereux Urban Regional Park (Afforestation Area)?with mapPinterest richardstbarbebBlogger: FriendsAfforestationTumblr friendsafforestation.tumblr.comFacebook Group Page: Users of the George Genereux Urban Regional ParkFacebook: StBarbeBaker Afforestation AreaFacebook for the non profit Charity Friends of the Saskatoon Afforestation Areas Inc. FriendsAreasFacebook group page : Users of the St Barbe Baker Afforestation AreaFacebook: South West OLRAReddit: FriendsAfforestationTwitter: St Barbe Baker Charity Twitter:FriendsAreasMix: friendsareasYouTubePlease help protect / enhance your afforestation areas, please contact the Friends of the Saskatoon Afforestation Areas Inc. (e-mail / e-transfers )Support the afforestation areas with your donation or membership ($20.00/year). Please donate by paypal or by using e-transfers Please and thank you! Your donation and membership is greatly appreciated. Members e-mail your contact information to be kept up to date!Donations can be made through Paypal, Canada Helps, Contact Donate A Car Canada, SARCAN Drop & Go 106100594 for the Friends of the Saskatoon Afforestation Areas Inc.United Nations Decade on Ecosystem RestorationUse the UN Decade’s Visual IdentityMake it your ownSpread the word about the UN DecadeLet’s Bring Back ForestsLet’s Green Our Cities“Be like a tree in pursuit of your cause. Stand firm, grip hard, thrust upward. Bend to the winds of heaven..”Richard St. Barbe Baker
Richard St. Barbe Baker Afforestation Area. George Genereux Urban Regional Park. 