Goldstream Campground is closed to the public to facilitate routine danger tree mitigation work in the park.
BC Parks campsite operators are mandated to conduct tree assessments regularly, typically in spring before each park opens.
Certified assessors search for trees that pose a safety hazard, including trees that may appear healthy but are at risk of falling and causing harm or damage.
“People’s safety is BC Parks’ top priority,” the Ministry of Environment said in a statement to CHEK News.
“There are thousands of trees in Goldstream Park, and that’s why we take important steps to ensure long-term forest health while keeping visitors safe.”
The ministry says a Registered Professional Forester performed a detailed Tree Risk Assessment and Mitigation Report at Goldstream Park earlier this year.
The report identified 91 dangerous trees that required falling or pruning to ensure visitor safety.
The province closed down the park’s campsite while work was done to address these dangerous trees before summer.
“Park operators are working to make sure the park retains the same look and feel as much as possible,” the ministry said.
While the work is being done the upper campground has been closed to the public, as well as 13 first come-first serve campsites in the lower campground.
Campsites one to six are expected to reopen to the public on March 15 for winter camping.
The ministry anticipates work to be completed for the entire campground by the end of March.
Park visitors are asked to follow all posted signage and direction from staff.
Updates on public access closures will be posted on the BC Parks website.
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Mackenzie Read
