The fuel management project is paid for by the provincial government. (Village of Air Ronge/Facebook)

By Derek Cornet

Wildfire Mitigation

LLRIB responds to tree thinning concerns in Air Ronge

Feb 23, 2021 | 1:39 PM

The Lac La Ronge Indian Band (LLRIB) appears unwilling to intervene in a dispute between a band member and Air Ronge village council.

About two weeks ago, Candace Caisse wrote a letter to the band asking for solidarity from her First Nation after village leaders decided to move ahead with a tree thinning project near her home. Caisse told the band there was a lack of planning, consultation and that LLRIB members living in the area would like the issue addressed quickly.

In response, the LLRIB sent a letter in returning stating they acknowledge her concerns, but “we respect that this is within the Northern Village of Air Ronge municipality.”

“Although we support your efforts, this request would have to be submitted to the leadership of the municipality,” it notes.

The letter explains the LLRIB Traditional Lands and Resources Advisory Committee reviewed the plans for tree thinning and had no concerns. It adds the area identified in the village was assessed to be at a high risk for wildfires and the project was in the best interest of the community and local residents.

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“LLRIB experience with fuel management has always been beneficial to our communities and its membership,” the letter states. “The fuel management creates a clean and safe environment, and lowers the risk of wildfires affecting our residences.”

Caisse wasn’t pleased with the response, saying she was “basically brushed off.” She wonders how the project can be in the best interest if there was no consideration of addressing community concerns.

“LLRIB stated that the work behind Stinson was completed by LLRIB,” Caisse said. “There is more of a risk to fires in that area by drying the land out.”

Caisse mentioned there was a petition circulated with more than 200 signatures presented to Air Ronge council opposed to the project. She said leaders should have listened to their concerns instead of making decisions without input.

Caisse, along with a group of other concerned residents, were also recently invited on a tour scheduled for Wednesday with the project manager. She said she won’t be going as there are no plans to address any concerns.

“If this was done properly by addressing community concerns, this would not have been an issue in the first place,” Caisse said.

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derek.cornet@jpbg.ca

Twitter: @saskjourno