Starting in 2020, Stanley Park experienced a hemlock looper outbreak. Climate change and a ‘heat dome’ in 2021 led to the outbreak lasting four-years, which exceeded the typical one to two year duration typical of outbreaks of this endemic insect.

The outbreak affected more than 25 per cent of Stanley Park’s forest – 160,000 trees - including western hemlock, Douglas fir, and grand fir.  Subsequently, City of Vancouver Urban Forestry staff responded to the forest health challenge that posed public safety risks to the nearly 20-million people that visit Stanley Park annually. 

The City of Vancouver retained B.A. Blackwell & Associates to support the multi-year response to risk management, habitat health, cultural resources and public outreach. Approximately 11,000 trees have been removed-to-date and over 50,000 new seedlings of diverse species have been planted through a 3-year donation from Western Forest Products. The remaining 40 per cent of the forest areas are scheduled to be treated and restored in 2026/27. 

Learning Outcomes
By the end of this session, participants will examine topics related to:

1. History of hemlock looper outbreaks in Stanley Park and management options.
2. Urban forest management in dense population areas.
3. Obtaining buy-in and budgets from elected officials in municipal forest management.
4. Multiple values in urban parks – public safety, wildfire, habitat, recreation, archaeology.
5. Operational considerations and logistics.
6. Reconciliation opportunities in forest restoration.
7. Public outreach and media relations.

*Sign up required | $85 additional cost

The tour requires walking approximately 2 kilometres to three sites where the mitigation work has taken place. Be sure to wear comfortable, weather-appropriate walking shoes or hiking boots. It’s recommended that if you have a high-viz vest and hardhat that, you bring it along. There may be some active falling treatment activity underway in one section of the tour. This is Vancouver in February; the long-range weather forecast shows rain on the morning of February 4 so waterproof jackets/clothing are advisable. A light snack and water will be provided for you on the tour. See a map of Stanley Park and the tour stops below.