An estimated 160,000 trees in Vancouver’s Stanley Park are being cut down because of a looper moth caterpillar infestation. Some experts say the tree cull is necessary, but there’s concern it’s too many trees and could create wildfire corridors.

Stanley Park

An estimated 160,000 trees in Vancouver's Stanley Park are being removed due to an infestation of looper moth caterpillars. The decision to cull the trees comes as a measure to manage the situation caused by the caterpillar outbreak. 

Some experts are in agreement that removing the trees is essential for dealing with the infestation effectively. However, there is concern among others that the number of trees being culled is excessive. They argue that this large-scale removal could lead to the creation of wildfire corridors, potentially increasing the risk of fires within the park.



160,000 trees culled from Vancouver's Stanley Park

This tree rooted not long after Stanley Park was created over a century ago. Its life cut short by a devastating infestation. It's sad, it's very sad. I've been coming to this park since I was a little girl and I've never seen anything like this before. An estimated 160,000 trees are being cut in the park. Most are younger Western hemlocks. Their needles were eaten away by looper moth caterpillars. The first priority is public safety. Vancouver's park board says weakened trees could fall. Even spark fires if they hit power lines. It's been a race over the past few months to get the work done before birds nest. We are the busiest urban park in Canada. The second biggest in North America. 18 million visits a year. You cannot simply have towering logs ready to fall on people in busy crowded places. The 400 hectare park is home to half a million trees. Some centuries old. Winding through the urban forest and network of trails. Some now transformed. But many park goers aren't happy about it. This park is the jewel of Vancouver. Thousands are petitioning to stop the cutting. Obviously when we see forests being cut down in our neighbourhood we have an emotional reaction. But we've gone beyond that and looked at the actual science. She says this much cutting is overkill. But experts say the city has made the right move. The city I believe you know did the right thing in you know sort of looking after safety of people by removing you know the dead trees. Next week, replanting of 25,000 seedlings begins. Hopefully my grandkids and their kids will be able to enjoy what I've been able to enjoy. It will take a while for locals to feel at home here again. Yvette Brins, CBC News, Vancouver.

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