In order to mitigate wildland urban interface fire concerns in 34 hectares of parkland within City of Powell River, qathet Regional District’s Regional Emergency Preparedness Service has announced it is starting the region’s first operational fuel-treatment project in early January 2019.
The project, which will continue until spring, is a result of the Regional Community Wildfire Protection Plan developed in 2015 in collaboration with the regional district, Tla’amin Nation and the city.
According to a statement released by the regional district on Thursday, December 20, the primary goal of the project is to reduce forest-fuel loads identified during site visits in 2017.
Objectives of the project also include increasing public safety, protecting critical infrastructure and facilities, restoring open forest conditions and demonstrating FireSmart principles in a forested setting.
While some areas of the Penticton trails will be closed during the work, according to the statement, the majority of trails system outside the project area will remain open for public use.
