The City of Kelowna is removing trees along Mill Creek to mitigate flood risk this spring.
Last spring, City crews began repairing high-priority areas near downtown to get ready for rising creek levels.
Trees that grow below the high water line must be removed in order to reinforce the remaining banks.
Project Manager, Fred Schaad says these trees catch debris and restrict water flow.
Starting in April, additional trees and shrubs will be planted to replace missing greenery along the affected areas.
“We still want the tree cover, the leaf litter, the insect drop and all those other things that the trees contribute to the channel in terms of supporting aquatic life,” said Schaad
Efforts will cease when water levels begins to rise and resume in the fall to ensure all concerning areas are sufficiently repaired.