Achi news desk-
This winter’s high winds and rain have caused the most damage to Irving State Park in its 30-year history, according to the park’s social media.
A video produced by JD Irving, Limited (JDI), which owns and operates the park, shows hundreds of trees felled – some ripped from the ground with sheer force.
Reg Woods, the company’s park manager, said several issues such as tree rot were part of the reason this winter’s storms caused so much damage.
“I’m concerned as the parks director about how to manage the risk of fallen trees that aren’t necessarily on the ground,” he said.
Woods explained that they will work to clear the trees, save what can be done so safely, clear the areas and replant trees.
“We’re going to plant native firs that are native to New Brunswick,” he said, adding that includes red and white firs.
According to JDI, the park receives about 500,000 visitors a year. Several regulars, including Becky O’Grady, said it can be challenging to use the space, especially this winter with all the storms.
“It’s sad. Irving Nature Park is amazing,” she said. “The fact that you can have all these wonderful trails and people can use them year-round and when we can’t use them, it’s sad.”
She often walks her dogs in the park and along the beach and said this year, there were times you had to walk directly into the wind – because they were so strong.
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Rob Fowler said the damage feels a little more personal. His father was one of the last people born in what is now Irving Nature Park.
“It’s a shame. It’s a shame, but it’s a wonderful place for the city,” he said.
Karen May said she hopes the company will invest as much as needed in the cleanup, given how beloved the park is.
“This car park is usually full because you can’t get off so people are still trying to access it even though it’s as damaged as it is,” she said.
But the increased frequency of these events is unlikely to abate, according to Mo Qureshi, the New Brunswick Conservation Council’s director of climate research and policy.
“What’s worrying is that this is a recurring problem that gets worse every year, so we really need to do something about it,” he explained.
Qureshi said that natural infrastructure is more challenging than an urban environment, but is part of the puzzle to create sustainable places and spaces for people to live and enjoy.
“There is definitely still time to do something about it,” he said.
St. John City Councilor David Hickey used to go to Irving Nature Park as a kid and still goes as an adult.
He said it is a favorite place for many who live here and visitors to the city.
“The continued preservation of sites like this is really important, whether it’s a city-owned property or privately owned properties like this. These are really important to the recreation network in our community,” Hickey said.
The park remains closed on weekdays until mid-April, and an official opening will take place in May.
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