Dropping trees to kill the pine beetle

Photo: Trevor Rockliffe

Workers clear pine beetle infected trees in West Kelowna in this file photo.

The City of Kelowna is removing more than 1,000 infested Ponderosa pines from City parks this spring to stop the spread of pine beetle infestation within Kelowna.

Five locations have been targeted for removal of infested trees, including Knox Mountain Park, Dilworth Mountain Park-Summit, Dilworth Mountain Park-Selkirk, Mission Ridge Park and 4500 Jean Rd.

“Again this year, we are seeing an increase pine beetle infestation in areas surrounding Kelowna,” says Blair Stewart, Urban Forestry Supervisor. “We are encouraging land owners to watch for and remove infested pine trees,” says Stewart. “However, in order to stop the spread of the beetle, it is important to remember that infected wood should not be used as firewood, transported, or stored for any length of time unless it is first debarked. Infested bark must be chipped, burned or buried.”

The public is asked to stay out of areas where crews are working. Only infested and dead trees will be removed. Infested Ponderosa pines at this time of the year can appear to be green and healthy and show very little sign of attack. Infected trees will be marked with paint or flagging tape.

The cumulative area of B.C. affected by the pine beetle is estimated at 17.5 million hectares.

Residents can learn more about the pine beetle and tree removal at kelowna.ca or call the City's Pine Beetle Hotline at 250 469-8457.