Plants are gifts : fire impact on plant diversity, richness and dominance at West Vaseux Lake, British Columbia

This research and its results share the ecological and cultural values of fire stewardship at West Vaseux Lake, located on the traditional territory of the Syilx Nation in British Columbia, Canada. In this research, the gap in knowledge of above-ground plant species composition was addressed across the five vegetation types: two areas treated with prescribed burns (2004 and 2013), and three unburned areas (closed forest, open forest, and grasslands). Using 240 quadrats among 24 transects, plant species were identified and classified as native, culturally significant, or introduced. Diversity metrics including, species richness, dominance and diversity (Simpson and Shannon-Wiener indices) and community composition were calculated to reveal key findings. There were 123 plant species, including 89 native, 25 culturally significant, and nine introduced identified across the study area. In the unburned areas, the closed forest unexpectedly showed high species richness due to shade tolerant plants and unique mosses and lichens. Burned areas exhibited high plant diversity and richness with low dominance. Fire-adapted culturally significant species such as arrowleaf balsamroot (Balsamorhiza sagittata) and bluebunch wheatgrass (Pseudoroegneria spicata) were found in abundance. The grasslands were dominated by antelope brush (Purshia tridentata) and prickly pear cactus (Opuntia fragilis) but had low species richness and diversity. Introduced species, particularly cheatgrass (Bromus tectorum), were most abundant in the grasslands. The findings of this research identify the critical need to reintroduce low-intensity fire to continue to enhance biodiversity and support culturally significant species, aligning with Syilx Ecological Knowledge and historical caretaking practices. Additionally, there is a need for collaborative restoration that prioritizes Syilx-led cultural burning to restore ecological resilience and kinship with fire. Recommendations include integrating Syilx decision making processes and principles into management of the study area. This would aid in correcting the colonial power imbalances and uphold Indigenous self-determination. Revitalizing cultural burning is essential for sustaining biodiversity, restoring cultural practices, and fostering reconciliation at West Vaseux Lake.