Wildfire prevention work to close Shannon Lake park trail

The Regional District of Central Okanagan will begin wildfire risk reduction work at Shannon Lake Regional Park on Oct. 26, temporarily closing part of the trail system.

Forestry contractors will remove and prune trees and thin vegetation in the eastern portion of the park as part of ongoing wildfire prevention and FireSmart efforts.

The Eagle Trail will be closed from Oct. 26 to 28, weather and operating conditions permitting. The closure will extend from beyond the rest area near the washrooms toward the upper park near the Shannon Ridge neighbourhood.

The main entrance and parking lot off Swite Road will remain open, as will the fishing dock and washrooms.

Parks Services director Tracy Draper says the work will reduce potential wildfire fuel and help create a more resilient landscape.

The importance of that work was highlighted by the June wildfire at Kalamoir Regional Park. Officials said fuel reduction work completed before the fire helped limit its severity by reducing available vegetation.

Visitors are asked to follow posted signs and directions from crews. Updates are available through the RDCO Parks website.