Pine beetle trees replaceable thanks to Releaf program

The province is stepping in to replace trees killed by the mountain pine beetle -- but this time its trees in resident's own backyards.

The first tree replacement program in the province that will directly aid homeowners who have lost their trees to the beetle was announced today in Fort St John.

The province-wide Releaf program was launched at a tree planting ceremony at the Fish Creek Community park this afternoon. It was attended by Richard Neufeld, MLA for Peace River North, Fort St John Mayor Jim Eglinski, and representatives from Tree Canada and the BC Transmission Corporation.

Homeowners who can prove they lost a tree on their property to the mountain pice beetle can get a coupon for $80 for a replacement tree. Neufeld explains how the program works:

The city of Fort St. John will also receive $10,600 to replace trees killed by the mountain pine beetle.

The program is sponsored by the BC Transmission Corporation and Tree Canada. For more details on how it works, visit www.treecanada.ca/mountain-pine-beetle/index.htm

Tobi Elliott -- Fort St John