Danger trees removed

Traveling along Cosens Bay Road in Coldstream is a lot safer after the removal of numerous danger trees.

Wildfire mitigation and safety work started earlier this month, much to the relief of Cosens Bay residents like Bob Hollier who has long been pressing to have danger trees removed.

“Finally, after many years of requests, work has begun to remove the dead danger trees as well as removing ground and ladder fuels (FireSmart) along Cosens Bay Road in Kalamalka Lake Provincial Park,” Hollier told Castanet in an email.

Hollier has expressed concerns numerous times in the past about hazards along the road that is the only way in and out of Cosens Bay, and for users of Kalamalka Provincial Park.

The Ministry of Forestry Wildfire Risk Reduction treatments are expected to continue through December.

The work will include danger-tree removal, removal of understorey trees and ladder fuels as well as surface fuel clean-up.

Potentially impacted trails may include, but are not limited to:

• Sidewinder Trail
• Cosens Bay Trail
• High Rim Trail

“These treatments are designed to reduce negative impacts in the event of a wildfire and improve both public and emergency responder safety, while managing for important ecological, recreational, and cultural values,” the District of Coldstream said in a press release.