Anthony Villaruel

Peat Mining

Among the major threats that destroy Burns Bog, the greatest human induced threat is the mining of peat (Graham et al. 2001). What began in the 1940s by European settlers, quickly became a major industry till the 1980’s (TLC, The Land Conservancy of BC. 2002). In the early stages of the peat mining industry, most of the work was done by hand harvesting (TLC, The Land Conservancy of BC. 2002). However, during the 1950s, mechanical methods were developed which had severe effects on the balance within a bog’s ecosystem. Peat is used in everything from a fertilizer to an effective technique of medication for skin conditions, burns and even poor eyesight (The Burns Bog Conservation Society. 1994). The most prominent use of peat is its use as a fuel source, especially throughout Europe and Russia (The Burns Bog Conservation Society. 1994). Peat is also used as a soil conditioner and growth medium food seedlings. With it’s unique ability to absorb liquids has made it very effective in cleaning oil spills (The Burns Bog Conservation Society. 1994).

Although the use of peat is very beneficial, extracting it from the earth can have devastating effects. During the 1950’s and 1960’s mechanical methods of large-scale peat harvesting included stripping the top layers of sphagnum and till the 1980’s hydraulic harvesting by dredging machines (TLC, The Land Conservancy of BC. 2002). About 80% of Burns Bog has been harvested for peat (Friends of Burns Bog and Peatlands Society. 2003). According to the Burns Bog conservation society, peat mining has had the most negative effects on bogs throughout the world in terms of vegetation cover (The Burns Bog Conservation Society. 1994). After peat extraction, peat lands require 40 years for regeneration (The Burns Bog Conservation Society. 1994). Slow recovery of peat has caused a massive decline of peat lands throughout the world (The Burns Bog Conservation Society. 1994). Concern, epically in Europe has lead to various ways to preserve peat lands such as new gardening techniques and new sources of fuel (The Burns Bog Conservation Society. 1994). Furthermore, new materials such as coconut fibers, cocoa bean residues, straw, and other organic material have been developed as a substitute to peat (Beder, S. 1998).

References

Beder, S. 1998. Alternatives to Peat . http://www.uow.edu.au/arts/sts/sbeder/wingecarribee/

The Burns Bog Conservation Society. 1994. More Threats: Peat Extraction.

Friends of Burns Bog and Peatlands Society. 2003. Map of Burns Bog. http://www.friendsofburnsbog.org/bbmap.htm.

Graham, J., Ho, J., Koutsonikas, V., and Wong, K. April 9,2001. Burns Bog Vegetation Disturbance Analysis. http://www.friendsofburnsbog.org/GIS.htm

TLC, The Land Conservancy of BC. 2002. BURNS BOG IMAGES AND INFORMATION.