Waskesiu Update

Wildfire Risk Reduction in Waskesiu

This summer, Parks Canada is inviting Canadians to learn what they can do to help reduce the risk of wildfire in the Waskesiu townsite and in the communities surrounding Prince Albert National Park.

The public is invited to learn about the FireSmart program and the Community Vegetation Management Strategy, in a workshop and open house at the Hawood Inn on Thursday, August 23 from 6:30 p.m.–8:30 p.m.

FireSmart is a nationwide program designed by firefighting agencies including Parks Canada to help protect people, infrastructure, and the surrounding lands from wildfire. By following FireSmart principles, individual homeowners and wider communities can take simple steps to reduce the impact from wildfire.

“While a fuel break can help bring fire to the ground where it is easier to fight, Canadians can do other things to lessen the chance that wildfire will spread into a communitys,” said Norman Stolle, resource conservation manager, Prince Albert National Park. “Incorporating something as easy as yard clean

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up into an annual routine can help reduce the risk of property damage from wildfire. Pruning trees,

clearing gutters, removing debris are examples of regular maintenance as well as easy steps to FireSmarting your property.”

Currently, fuel breaks surround the Waskesiu townsite, parks operations compound, and other

developed areas in the park. The public can learn more about how and why fuel breaks are created in

the Community Vegetation Management Strategy. Other tactics include, prescribed fires to reduce fuel

and lessen the severity of wildfires.

Parks Canada is a leader in vegetation management with more than 30 years of experience in using

fire to naturally restore and maintain the ecological integrity of national parks and historic sites.

Through safe and effective fire management, Parks Canada reduces the danger of wildfire to the

public, infrastructure and neighbouring lands, while improving the ecological health of our forests and

grasslands.

For more information about the FireSmart program in Waskesiu or to help spread the word about

wildfire risk reduction and please contact Bronwyn Craig by email at, bronwyn.craig@pc.gc.ca or

call 306-663-4568.

Lakeside Music Festival August 24, 25, 26

Join the party in the park on August 24 – 26! There will be live performances by Canadian bands,

invigorating programs by Parks Canada, beach-side yoga, tasty treats and a pancake breakfast to top

it all off. The Waskesiu Lakeside Music Festival is a family – friendly festival held in the grassy field

beside the Community Hall near the shore of Waskesiu Lake.

Bands and solo performers take to the stage Saturday, August 25th at 11:00 a.m. with children’s

performer Smilin’ Rylan.

The evening performances begin with indie-disco band Bombargo, followed by The Steadies, and The Northern Pikes.

Other performers include: Nico Tobias Band, The Wolfe, Velvet Hand, and The Grambo Brothers. Comedian Kelly Taylor is this year’s master of ceremonies and promises to add laughs in the event.

In addition to the main stage performances, there are spray tattoos, face painting, food vendors, and

beer gardens.

All activities are free with a park entry permit, with the exception of the cabaret (fundraiser for Friends of the Park) and the pancake breakfast (supported by the Waskesiu Recreation Association).

Campground vacancies are limited. There may be a few spots available in the Beaver Glen or Red

Deer campgrounds. There are a number of campsites on a first come, first served basis at the

refurbished Narrows Campground. Check availability online at reservation.pc.gc.ca/princealbert or call

the Visitor Centre at 306-663-4522. Accommodations are also filling up fast at the commercial

operators within Waskesiu. Call ahead to confirm availability.

Geocaching

A high-tech adventure awaits in Prince Albert National Park. There are several geocache and

earthcache sites hidden in the park. It’s a great way to learn about nature and the cultural heritage in

the park. Visitors can borrow GPS units from the Nature Centre. Go to www.geocaching.com to find

the co-ordinates and start searching.

Backcountry Camping

With over 3,800 kilometers of protected land, Prince Albert National Park offers adventurers the

opportunity to explore unspoiled wilderness. Backcountry camping is great way to see the park without

the crowds and test your camping skills. Register for your backcountry camping trip at the Visitor’s

Center to book a campsite and ensure your safety. All overnight visitors must register on the day of

arrival. Sites are not reservable. Camping and safety tips can be found at: AdventureSmart.ca