Two cedar trees were recently cut down outside of Nelson. One was estimated to be between 300 and 450 years old; the other between 50 and 60.
The Regional District of Central Kootenay says they were felled on private property near Cottonwood Lake Regional Park. The RDCK has just purchased the property from Nelson Lands Corporation and will take ownership on July 1, 2019. The older cedar was intended to be integrated into the park experience as a special feature.
An RCMP investigation has been launched and the regional district says it’s working closely with police and the landowner to identify the perpetrators.
Signs are being installed indicating that the land is private property, as is a gate to prevent further access to that portion of the property.
Anyone with information is asked to call Nelson RCMP at 250-352-2156.