Public Urged To Leave Damaged Trees Alone

The Department of Natural Resources wants the public to refrain from cutting and removing trees in provincial parks damaged by Hurricane Juan.

"While we appreciate that people want to help, this is a serious health and safety issue for the public and for our staff and contractors who are in the parks working on the clean up," said Richard Hurlburt, Minister of Natural Resources. "Our contractors are qualified and experienced at removing felled trees and debris safely. We must leave them to it."

There are also ecological objectives for not removing all of the debris in the parks -- objectives that go beyond aesthetics. Downed vegetation is an important source of nutrients for the soil and provides habitat for numerous types of wildlife.

"Downed trees may not always look attractive, but they play an important role in the reforestation of our parks and help protect sensitive ecosystems," said the minister. "Often an untouched tree is left as is deliberately by departmental staff to help rejuvenate the area."

The actions of a well-intended helper may in fact put that person and others at risk and may unintentionally damage a sensitive natural environment.