The City of Kelowna is continuing the war against pine beetles by removing 1,200 infested Poderosa pines from city parks.
The move is designed to stop the spread of the ravenous insect that has decimated B.C. forests.
Twelve locations have been targeted for removal of the infested trees, including Knox Mountain, Dilworth Mountain, Mission Ridge parks and properties at 4075 Jean Rd. and the end of Grainger Road.
"Due to warmer than normal winter temperatures, we are expecting an increase in infested trees this summer," said Blair Stewart, urban forest health technician. "There are approximately 600,000 Ponderosa pine trees within the city, and provincial experts suggest we could lose up to 80 per cent of those over the next five to eight years."
The public is asked to stay out of areas where crews are working. Only infested and dead trees will be removed and have been marked with paint or flagging tape.
In addition to the larger parks, trees will also be removed from the Carney, McKinley Landing, Rutland Lions and Summerside parks, as well as the Glenmore Landfill and Crawford Bridle Path. The work is expected to continue until the end of March.
The City reminds home owners infested trees should be removed. However, this wood should not be used as firewood, transported, or stored for any length of time unless it is first debarked. Chip, burn or bury infested bark. Residents can learn more about the pine beetle and tree removal at an open house Saturday at the Enterprise Way fire station, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
For more information, call the pine beetle hotline at 250-469-8457, or go to kelowna.ca. Top of Page
