Eight trees at the foot of Tolmie Street were recently vandalized. Photo John Kurucz
Vancouver Police and the park board are investigating after a number of trees were vandalized at Spanish Banks.
Eight trees at the foot of Tolmie Street had their tops sawed off and limbs removed. Park board staff made the discovery late Thursday and is now working with Vancouver police to find out who is responsible.
Intentionally damaging trees is a criminal offense and the park board said it intends to seek stiff penalties for whoever is responsible.
“Trees are for the enjoyment of everyone and we are dismayed by this thoughtless, intentional damage to our Urban Forest,” park board chair Stuart Mackinnon said in a press release. “We ask that anyone with information on the incident to please some forward.”
The trees are part of a grove of conifers in that area. The sandy soil at Spanish Banks makes for difficult growing conditions for trees and this particular grove provides habitat for local birds, shade for beach goers and also acts as protection from sand whipped up by winds along the beach.
Anyone who witnesses anything suspicious in the area of Tolmie Street and North West Marine Drive over the past two weeks is asked to contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.
