The Essex Region Conservation Authority (ERCA) is planning a prescribed burn at a local conservation area.
ERCA is working with the Nature Conservancy of Canada (NCC) to perform a controlled burn of 20 hectares at Tremblay Beach Conservation Area at Stoney Point.
The burn itself is expected to take place sometime this month, but the conservation area will be closed to the public on Wednesday, to allow burn breaks to be cut through a biomass of Phragmites.
"Removing dense stands of invasive Phragmites will open space for native plants and wildlife to return and thrive, while providing benefits for local communities like cleaner water, reduced flood risk, and opportunities for recreation," said NCC Habitat Restoration Manager Kyle Borrowman. "Working alongside the ERCA and our partners will ensure this work is done safely and delivers real benefits for people and nature in the region."
ERCA Director of Conservation Services Kevin Money said people within 1.5 kilometres of the burn area are being notified.
"The prescribed burn will be ignited by hand and carried out by trained and certified professionals with extensive expertise in fire behaviour and control," said Money. "Weather and site conditions will be closely monitored, and the burn will only proceed when conditions are ideal. Winds will be assessed to help direct smoke away from neighbouring homes and, where possible, out over the lake to reduce impacts to residents."
An amount of Phragmites biomass was burned during an unplanned fire in March 2025. Although the burn was the result of illegal activity, it provided an opportunity to advance conservation efforts.
Once a burn window is decided upon, neighbours will be provided with 48 hours' notice.
Residents wishing to receive an alert may sign up for one on ERCA's official website.
