The study is located in two locations in south-eastern BC, Kikomun Creek Provincial Park (KCPP) and Yaq̓it ʔa·knuqⱡi’it (YFN). Both are found within the Natural Disturbance Type 4 (NDT4) disturbance type (Mackillop et al., 2018). This disturbance type has historically been characterized by frequent low-intensity fires (25–50-year return interval)(Figure 1), creating a mosaic of forests, shrublands, and grassland savannas that is ideal large ungulate habitat (Figure 2).

Both natural and cultural burning has historically maintained these grassland and open forest systems, but fire suppression practices over the past 100 years have resulted in forest encroachment and habitat degradation (Forest Practices Board, 2016). Prescribed burning has been used strategically to control trees and shrubs in ecosystem restoration projects throughout the region (BC Parks, 2014). In pine savannas like those found at both locations, spring fires are known to increase recruitment of native plants when compared to burns at other times of year (Lesica & Martin, 2003). However, these prescribed burning treatments have been put at risk by increases in invasive species. Disturbances such as overgrazing and climate change have resulted in increased invasion of several key invasive species, listed below (Tannas Conservation Services, 2022).

•                 St. John’s wort (Hypericum perforatum)

•                 Sulphur cinquefoil (Potentilla recta)

•                 Ashy cinquefoil (Potentilla inclinata)

•                 Cheatgrass (Bromus tectorum)

•                 Japanese brome (Bromus japonicus)

Fire has been associated with increases in some of these invasive species, particularly annual bromes (Nagy et al., 2020; DiTomaso, 2000; Lesica & Martin, 2003). The relationship with broadleaf invasive species (St. John’s wort, cinquefoils) is less conclusive (Newman & Hamilton, 2018). While herbicides can be used to control these invasive species, there is insufficient data on the effectiveness of herbicides in combination with fire, and on how they affect the native plant communities that make up desirable wildlife habitat. In order to determine best practices for maintaining the unique open-forest habitats of southern British Columbia, more specific site-specific data on the interactions between prescribed burning and herbicide interaction is needed.