Pine beetle damage closes Woodhaven nature park

By Dorothy BrothertonTuesday, March 13, http://www.kelownadailycourier.ca/stories.php?id=19986

Woodhaven Nature Conservancy is officially closed, and it‘s the tiny pine beetle that swung the axe. The popular regional park on Raymer Road may be the first of many to be felled by beetle infestation, which has created too many dead and dying trees, said forest health consultant Bruce Blackwell in a report to the Central Okanagan regional district. “Woodhaven is in really bad shape,” said Blackwell. In 10-15 years, widespread forest mortality can be expected due to beetles, other insects, diseases and drought, Blackwell warned. He spared no words in describing the dire situation. “It will dramatically alter the forested landscape of the Okanagan.” He predicts more parks will close and the worst is yet to come. The Okanagan can expect the same kind of plague that hit Prince George, with 90-100 per cent of pine forests being destroyed.

Debris disposal in the Okanagan will become a huge problem in the next two to three years and will likely never be completely cleaned up. Blackwell‘s recommendations included a new forest management philosophy. The Okanagan should apply now for funding for beetle treatments and wildfire protection programs through the Union of B.C. Municipalities, he said. Overseas markets should be pursued for beetle-salvaged logs and chips. Besides debris disposal, the region should plan for restoration and regeneration of the infested areas, Blackwell said. Provincial stumpage rules have stymied quick removal of beetle-damaged trees. Lake Country Mayor James Baker said it takes about two years to issue a cutting licence. Blackwell agreed, saying, “The process needs to be streamlined.” He admitted the province can‘t be seen to be altering stumpage because that could jeopardize the softwood lumber agreement with the United States. He urged co-operation among the city, regional district, First Nations, B.C. Parks, Ministry of Agriculture and Ministry of Forests to come up with strategies. Bill Vos of CORD‘s parks department confirmed cleanup is going on in Woodhaven, but with no date for completion. Staff are working on preparing a five-year financial plan.