A Canoe woman is trying to rally others to take preventive measures to protect a wooded park.
Frances Donald has spoken to Mayor Nancy Cooper and is now trying to get volunteers to assist with the removal of dead fall trees and branches, which pose an additional fire hazard to the park and its popular trails.
“Like many in B.C., I have been watching the wildfires situation with growing alarm and concern. You see, I walk my dog in Park Hill trail system... It is rife with dead-fall and recently windblown trees, branches and debris. In all honesty, it looks like a fire waiting to happen.”
Donald would like to see the usable wood going to volunteers or others with need who have wood stoves for heating in the winter.
“The city seems willing to participate if I can get volunteers coordinated to help in the effort. As such I am calling on the good people of Salmon Arm and Canoe to contact me if they are able and willing to help,” says Donald.
Once approximately 20 volunteers are committed to removing branches, logs and other debris, Donald will work with the mayor to plan a suitable date and time.
She has created a Facebook page titled “Free Wood by reducing Fuel Load near Canoe, BC” and is inviting people to connect with her that way.
“I need a few certified people with chainsaws (I have one already), some trucks to load and transport usable wood and volunteers and a pneumatic wood splitter. Some of these logs are big!”
Donald praises the work of the trail alliance in developing and maintaining the trails, saying she just wants to offer additional help in reducing fire risk.