NCC: Tree control in Hampton Park

From the NCC:

The National Capital Commission (NCC) wishes to advise the public that a number of dead or dying ash trees infested by the emerald ash borer will be removed from Hampton Park. There are now approximately 370 ash trees in Hampton Park that constitute a safety hazard for pedestrians and motorists.

Maintenance crews will begin removing trees on Tuesday, January 27 and continue until February 3, weather-permitting. Work will take place inside the park between 7 am and 5 pm.

For Users

The Hampton Park off-leash dog area will not be affected by the tree removal operations. Park users will experience temporary closures of pathways within Hampton Park due to the presence of vehicles and heavy equipment on the pathways. Except for the designated off-leash area, dogs should be kept on a leash at all times.

Traffic Impact

Motorists may encounter some temporary partial lane closures on Island Park Drive near Merivale Road between 9 am and 3 pm.

The NCC urges park users and drivers to exercise caution and to respect the barricades, signs and flag-persons present during the tree removal.

The emerald ash borer is a highly destructive insect that was discovered in Canada for the first time in the summer of 2002. This invasive insect has killed millions of ash trees in Canada and the United States. It poses a major economic and environmental threat to urban and forested areas in both countries. The emerald ash borer does not pose a risk to human health.

The NCC will roll out a comprehensive reforestation plan that is specific to these locations after the sites have been appropriately cleared and cleaned up, including removal of the tree stumps.