One Year Anniversary of the Stanley Park Storm

December 12, 2007 (No. 63) - Saturday, December 15, 2007 marks the first anniversary of the massive windstorm that knocked down over 10,000 trees in Stanley Park and closed the park and the Seawall. Since the storm, the Vancouver Park Board has made considerable progress to clean up and restore the park - thanks in large part to the support of all three levels of government and the generous contributions of many corporate and private donors.

With the help of biologists, archaeologists, engineers, environmentalists, foresters and other specialists, the Park Board is on schedule with the $9.5 million Restoration Plan for the park that was approved last April. The Plan's vision is "that Stanley Park's forest be a resilient coastal forest with a diversity of native tree and other species and habitats, that allows park visitors to experience nature in the city". The Plan ensures that the renewal and restoration of the park will be nearing completion in time for the park's 120th birthday in September, 2008.

Highlights of the 2007 restoration include:

• Clearing and reopening of all roads and all trails (except for Siwash and Cathedral)
• Removal and modification of over 80% of all dangerous trees along roads and trails
• Identification, protection and mapping of environmental and cultural features
• Development of a forest fire protection strategy
• Protection of 13 km of new forest edge through selective trimming called "windfirming"
• Removal of over 80% of fallen trees earmarked for removal and distribution of trees for First Nations and other cultural and artistic projects
• Removal of fine woody debris from sides of roads and trails
• Stabilization of cliffs between Prospect Point and Third Beach
• Clearing and basic repairs on the Seawall allowing for reopening to the public

Work slated for the upcoming year includes the relocation of Park Drive at Prospect Point to improve drainage, safety and aesthetics; planting of trees and shrubs in blowdown areas; structural upgrades to the Seawall, construction of a new boardwalk on Cathedral Trail; reconstruction of Siwash Trail and the preparation of an education/interpretation strategy.

The public can learn more about the progress of the park's restoration on the Park Board web site at vancouverparks.ca.

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For more information, contact Carol DeFina, Communications Coordinator, at 604-257-8440
or 604-377-3950.
www.vancouverparks.ca

The Vancouver Board of Parks and Recreation maintains 200 parks and 40 major facilities throughout the City of Vancouver. The Park Board's mission is to provide, preserve and advocate for parks and recreation services to benefit people, communities and the environment.