Bulletins

Please be advised that Parks Canada has identified several dead hemlock trees located along Mast Trail in Rouge National Urban Park. These trees are adjacent to the trail and pose a potential risk to visitors.

Parks Canada plans to undertake work to remove the dead trees starting December 29. This work schedule is weather dependent and subject to change.

Mast Trail will remain open to visitors. However, visitors may be impacted by brief closures, loud noise and dust during this work. Parks Canada staff will ensure safe passage through work zones. Please follow all signage and instructions from Parks Canada staff on site.

While the exact cause of tree mortality is unknown at this time, current observations suggest that these trees likely died due to environmental factors such as insufficient moisture, temperature and sun exposure. Hemlocks in this area are located at the edge of their preferred habitat type, which consists of shady northeastern slopes. This positioning makes them more vulnerable to stress.

To ensure appropriate ecological protection measures are in place, all Parks Canada projects are subject to environmental assessments. Additionally, work will be completed outside of the bird nesting season to protect migratory birds and wildlife, removed branches will be chipped or left in the work area to retain biomass and as a precautionary measure to help prevent the spread of invasive species such as Hemlock Woolly Adelgid (HWA) and tree stumps will be left intact to provide habitat for wildlife.

Thank you for your cooperation as we work to maintain a safe environment for all visitors.