Enderby harvests beetle kill

By Richard Rolke - Vernon Morning Star - November 30, 2007

An Enderby park will be clearcut to minimize the impact of western pine beetle. About 25 to 30 mature ponderosa pines will soon be chopped down in Riverside Park because they have been infested by the insect. “The foliage may be green now but by next summer, they will be red and dead,” said Herman Halvorson, a director with the Enderby/Area F Services Committee.In a weakened state, the trees could fall over.“The real concern is about trees coming down when people are in there,” said Dee Wejr, committee chairman.Beyond the potential risk to people, structures within Riverside Park are also under threat.During a recent storm, one tree toppled over, causing substantial damage to a storage shed.“There is also one big pine leaning over the gazebo,” said Halvorson.“There are also a few trees pointing towards the arena.” The committee has commissioned members of the Enderby Lions Club to cut down the trees and remove the debris. Much of the wood will be sold to support Lions’ projects, but some of the revenue will also help purchase new trees for the park. But it will take some time for the new trees to fill in the space vacated by the beetle-infested ponderosa pines.The emptiness of the park is something Wejr is not looking forward to.“It’s going to be rather devastating at first, but I’d hate to see anyone get hurt,” she said of the need to remove the trees.Halvorson also firmly stands behind the committee’s decision.“It’s better to be proactive than inactive,” he said.Along with the ponderosa pines, the Lions will also get rid of any birch trees deemed to be in poor condition.