The municipality will have its hands full over the next few months as it begins to identify and remove hazardous trees, including trees that have been infested by the mountain pine beetle.
The municipality has identified 14 areas in town where trees will be removed.
“Our assessments are being done with a certified arborist with the assistance of Parks Canada and any diseased, dead, dying or dangerous trees that might have a structural problem or human damage will be removed,” said Bruce Thompson, director of operations for the municipality.
He said work officially got underway in July starting with removing dead trees in Centennial Park.
Last year the municipality removed 300 trees, the vast majority due to pine beetle infestations.
According to a report provided to council, trees will be “flush cut” or cut close to the ground, stumps will be removed and holes will be filled in when in close proximity to playgrounds and other high-use locations.
Any living trees that show signs of pine beetle infestation will also be cut down and hauled to the burning pit located at the transfer station. The trees will be burned when conditions permit.
To help replant trees the municipality recently received a $25,000 grant from CN Rail. The money will be used to replant 200 trees in locations where trees have been removed and in some new locations within town.
“We’ve received about 80 trees to date and will be planting those and will receive some more in the fall,” said Thompson.
He said the species being replanted include Douglas fir and deciduous trees to ensure a healthy urban forest.
Paul Clarke
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