Two organizations are teaming up to learn more about how islanders manage wildfire risk — and there’s a chance of a cash prize for residents who help out.
Transition Salt Spring and the Salt Spring Island Water Preservation Society have launched a survey aimed at better understanding how those who steward island properties reduce the chances of wildfires, increase water retention and resilience and protect ecological health beyond the usual 30-metre FireSmart zones on their land, according to consultant and educator Jennie Sparkes, who said survey results will be used to develop communications materials to help property owners make informed decisions about land management.
“We know Salt Spring property owners have invaluable local knowledge about managing their land,” said Sparkes. “This survey will help us gather this knowledge, link it with emerging science and share it back to the community in the form of clear, practical, localized guidance.”
The anonymous survey should take about 10 minutes to complete, Sparkes said, and all participants can choose to enter a draw for a $250 prize.
The survey will be open until April 4 at transitionsaltspring.com/survey.