Trees illegally cut down on north end of Okanagan Rail Trail

The Regional District of North Okanagan is investigating after trees along two of the region's trails were illegally cut down.

Trees along sections of the Grey Canal Trail and the Okanagan Rail Trail near Vernon were illegally cut down in the last week, according to a regional district media release issued today, May 13.

"It’s selfish to chop down healthy trees on public land, whether one is doing it to better their view, or for any other reason," Regional District general manager of community service Mike Fox said in the release.

"The trails were designed to include natural elements, including adjacent trees and shrubs, so please leave them there for all users of the trail to enjoy."

Bylaw officers from the Regional District are investigating the incidents and encourage the public that if they see anyone removing or vandalizing Regional District land to call bylaw at 250-550-3700.

The penalty for defacing, cutting, destroying or damaging any tree, shrub, or plant is $250.

Trees chopped down along the Grey Canal Trail in the Vernon area are seen in this undated photo. SUBMITTED / Regional District North Okangan


To contact a reporter for this story, email Ben Bulmer or call (250) 309-5230 or email the editor. You can also submit photos, videos or news tips to the newsroom and be entered to win a monthly prize draw.

We welcome your comments and opinions on our stories but play nice. We won't censor or delete comments unless they contain off-topic statements or links, unnecessary vulgarity, false facts, spam or obviously fake profiles. If you have any concerns about what you see in comments, email the editor in the link above. 

Join the Conversation!

Want to share your thoughts, add context, or connect with others in your community? Create a free account to comment on stories, ask questions, and join meaningful discussions on our new site.

Leave a Reply

Ben Bulmer

After a decade of globetrotting, U.K. native Ben Bulmer ended up settling in Canada in 2009. Calling Vancouver home he headed back to school and studied journalism at Langara College. From there he headed to Ottawa before winding up in a small anglophone village in Quebec, where he worked for three years at a feisty English language newspaper. Ben is always on the hunt for a good story, an interesting tale and to dig up what really matters to the community.

More Articles