The hemlock looper moth infestation, now in its fifth year, continues to wreak havoc in Vancouver's Stanley Park. Originally starting on the North Shore in 2019, the infestation reached Stanley Park in 2020, leading to significant environmental damage. The moth primarily targets Western hemlock and Douglas fir trees, causing widespread defoliation and structural instability. Unlike typical outbreaks that follow a 15-year cycle and collapse within two years due to cold winters and natural predators, this infestation persists. Warmer winter and spring conditions have contributed to its longevity, prompting an urgent response from park officials.
The Vancouver Park Board has estimated that tree removal and restoration efforts will cost approximately $17.9 million. The plan involves the removal of 160,000 trees, a critical step in safeguarding public areas. According to a staff report, "weather events" in October and November 2024 resulted in "tree failures," underscoring the urgency of the situation. In response, the park board plans to replant impacted areas with tens of thousands of native species, including Douglas fir, western red cedar, grand fir, big leaf maple, and red alder.
“There is clear evidence that dead trees resulting from the hemlock looper moth outbreak are rapidly deteriorating and many are becoming structurally unstable and demonstrated that the deterioration of dead trees is progressing much faster than anticipated, outpacing the phased plan for risk mitigation and restoration,” – unknown
To address immediate safety risks, an additional $3 million has been unlocked for B.A. Blackwell & Associates Ltd., the contractor responsible for cutting down dead trees. This funding will facilitate Phase 3 of the current contract. The bid committee for the park board and city approved a "change order" in mid-December, ensuring that essential work can progress without delay. While the city council does not have jurisdiction over these decisions, it has pledged support for the remaining work into the first quarter of 2027.
“This will impact traffic and visitors to the park,” – unknown
The park board acknowledges that traffic and visitor access will be impacted during this period. There are concerns about public safety and potential disruptions to events in areas with restricted access. The board emphasizes the necessity of advancing this work in the short-term to mitigate safety risks.
“Public safety and worker safety will be jeopardized if this work is not advanced in the short-term and restricted access to the park will impact events in permitted use areas of the park that may need to be delayed or cancelled.” – unknown
Additionally, there is a warning about "dry woody surface fuel" accumulation, which could increase susceptibility to natural and human-caused fire ignitions. The board plans to issue another request for proposals for Phase 3 in 2025 to continue treatment work. However, timing constraints may hinder immediate action on emerging priority risk mitigation areas.
“dry woody surface fuel” will build up, creating conditions that are more susceptible to natural and human-caused fire ignitions. – unknown
“There is the plan to issue another [request for proposals] for Phase 3 in 2025 to continue the treatment work, but the timing of this procurement process will not allow to continue working immediately on the emerging priority risk mitigation areas.” – unknown
The current Phase 2 budget covers work up to early January 2025, but operations must extend into March to respect bird nesting seasons.
“The current Phase 2 budget covered work up to early January 2025, however the work window that respects bird nesting season extends until into March,” – unknown
