Prince George, B.C. –  Although the City of Prince George has done a great deal of work to remove  trees  killed by the Mountain Pine Beetle infestation,   in the wake of the Fort McMurray fires, there is a need to review  forest fuel management.

By the winter of 2004/2005,  more than 220 truckloads of beetle killed pine had been removed from City parks and green spaces.  Between 2004 and 2012, the City, (with funding assistance  through the Federal Government)  was able to help   remove  forest fuel from nearly 1400 private properties within City limits.

Because of it’s proximity to  forested areas,  the City of Prince George remains on the list of communities at high risk  for wildfire damage.  In a report to Council, General Manager of Engineering and Public Works,  Dave Dyer points out “Since forests do change and grow over time, and new forest health issues can occur, Staff commits to a review and assessment of the recommendations in past strategies and plans. The assessment will involve retaining external forestry consultants to update the City’s Community Wildfire Protection Plan including a review and consolidation of past strategies and plans and to assess existing levels of wildfire hazards.”

Dyer notes  there are some funding options available through the Union of BC Municipalities for projects such as:

• Community Wildfire Protection Plans & Updates 
• Fuel Management Prescriptions 
• Fuel Management Demonstration Projects 
• Operational Fuel Treatments & Maintenance Treatments 

Dyer says staff will  review the criteria  for such funding and return to Council with recommendations.