Rose Valley Regional Park wildfire recovery planned for when conditions improve

The Regional District of Central Okanagan (RDCO) is ready to restore an area burned by last year’s Grouse Complex wildfire, though they will have to wait until conditions improve.

The RDCO said it has planned a phased approach for the wildfire recovery of Rose Valley Regional Park.

The first step of the recovery process will be hazardous tree falling along trails above the Rose Valley Elementary School. Work will then see dangerous trees felled along other trails in the park, followed by salvage harvesting areas with high concentrations of affected trees.

Though the RDCO has plans for recovering the park, it was noted that free falling and salvage harvesting cannot be done as the fire danger rating is too high currently.

It was noted that, once work can begin, some trees that are cut down may be left on the forest floor to enhance wildlife habitat and encourage forest regeneration.

“Re-opening closed parks is a priority for our staff, but safety comes first, and we are moving forward with a carefully phased plan that takes into account the needs of the community, requirements of funding and environmental stewardship,” Wayne Darlington, RDCO’s Interim Director Parks Services, stated.

“There is nothing we want more than to invite visitors back to the parks they love, where they connect with nature in the beautiful region we cal home.”

The RDCO reminds the public to not enter any closed parks, including Rose Valley, and to obey all signs and barricades.

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