Joanne McQuarrie, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter | [email protected]
Crews started removing dead trees affected by mountain pine beetle on Feb. 15 in the forested area between Cottonwood Creek and the northeast side of Pyramid Lake Road.
The wildfire risk reduction project by Parks Canada will reduce fire hazard in the area.
Katie Ellsworth, fire management officer with Parks Canada, said the project is across the road from the Cottonwood slough parking lot.
When it is finished, 9.75 hectares will have been treated.
The project is a continuation of the same work started in 2018 near the Jasper National Park community fireguard, reads a press release.
Removing the trees will further improve the Jasper townsite鈥檚 wildfire protection.
Mountain pine beetle-affected trees are being selectively removed, while wetland areas and trees such as Douglas fir and aspen are protected.
Mechanical thinning is the removal method of choice.
The trees are being cleared with a harvester forwarder, Ellsworth said, explaining the machine 鈥渇ells and processes the trees all at once. It cuts the tree, which (goes through) the articulating head; that removes the branches.鈥�
Later on, the contractor will clear out the branches.
鈥淭his method of risk reduction is the most appropriate tool to treat this (area),鈥� Ellsworth said.
鈥淥ur overarching goal is to protect the community from the threat of wildfire.鈥�
Mechanical thinning also helps create conditions for safer, less complex and more efficient prescribed fires in the future.
鈥淭he relatively small area we are currently thinning connects to previously treated fuel reduction areas around the townsite, and to other cleared areas west of the community,鈥� the press release stated.
鈥淔uel reduction and forest thinning activities limit fire intensity, reduce the potential for spot fires from windblown embers, and improve the effectiveness of fire suppression techniques.鈥�
Operations are restricted to daylight hours to limit noise impacts.
There are traffic disruptions on Pyramid Lake Road, and an increase in industrial traffic during periods of log hauling.
鈥淓quipment may be working along that road at any time, so it鈥檚 important to observe speed limits and any posted road signs,鈥� Ellsworth said.
Smoke from this project will be noticeable and may occasionally blow towards town.
There is no need to call 911 or other emergency services to report smoke in the area.
People with respiratory ailments are encouraged to contact local health professionals for advice if they have concerns.
The project is expected to be completed before March 31, but Ellsworth emphasized the date of completion is 鈥渄ependent on the conditions onsite.鈥�
鈥淭he wildfire risk reduction work will be ongoing,鈥� she said.
