Tips are coming in after the City of Nanaimo turned to the public to help find whoever illegally felled trees in the north end.
Twelve trees, including two alders, two Douglas firs and eight western large leaf maples – all species native to the Island – were destroyed in a section of parkland on the north side of Laguna Way near Universal Place.
Alan Kemp, city urban forestry coordinator, said the cutting, reported by the owner of a neighbouring property in early December, would have taken several hours to carry out. From queries around the neighbourhood Kemp estimated the felling happened in mid November.
"He didn't do a really professional job, but he did a pretty good job because he felled everything and laid it all down, away from hydro lines and did back cuts and that kind of stuff," Kemp said.
Cutting urban trees without a permit is illegal, especially in city parks, and can carry a fine of up to $10,000 per tree.
The city's investigation turned up no solid leads until Wednesday morning when Kemp was surveying the scene. A neighbour, who asked not to be identified, approached with information about a second felling operation she witnessed on an adjoining private property Nov. 23. When she asked the faller what he was up to he said he was working for a local contractor and was felling the tress at the request of a prospective buyer of the property.
Kemp said he would file a report and follow up on the new information.
Illegal tree felling in the city is rare.
"Generally it's more topping than complete removal of trees and, especially in park property, and it's quite apparent this is park property," Kemp said. "There's a survey pin that's got a sign on the side where it says 'park.'"
Kemp estimated the Douglas firs cut were up to 70 years old and the other trees about 30 to 50 years old.
Anyone with information about any tree cutting in the area around Nov. 14, please call the city bylaws department at 250-755-4422 or the Urban Forestry Coordinator's office at 250-755-4460.