Fuel mitigation work planned at Shannon Lake Regional Park
The Regional District of Central Okanagan (RDCO) is advising residents and park visitors that wildfire risk reduction work will begin in the eastern portion of Shannon Lake Regional Park on October 26. The work will require a temporary closure of trails in this area and may cause some disruption for park visitors.
Qualified forestry contractors will be working in the park to remove and prune trees and reduce vegetation that could fuel a wildfire. This type of work is carried out regularly throughout the regional parks system to help reduce wildfire risk and support healthy, resilient forests.
The work is part of the RDCO’s ongoing wildfire prevention and FireSmart efforts and supports priorities identified in the 2020 Parks Community Wildfire Protection Plan and the updated 2026 Community Wildfire Resiliency Plan.
“This work is an important investment in wildfire prevention and community safety. By reducing the amount of vegetation that could fuel a wildfire, we’re helping create a more resilient landscape around Shannon Lake while maintaining the park for residents and visitors to enjoy,” says Tracy Draper, Director of Parks Services.
For public safety, the Eagle Trail will be temporarily closed from October 26 to October 28, weather and operational conditions permitting. The closure will begin beyond the rest area near the washrooms and extend toward the upper portions of the park near the Shannon Ridge neighbourhood.
Visitors are asked to respect all trail closures and posted signs and follow the direction of crews working in the area.
The main park entrance and parking lot off Swite Road will remain open throughout the project. The fishing dock and washroom facilities will also remain accessible.
The benefits of proactive wildfire prevention were recently demonstrated at Kalamoir Regional Park. Fuel reduction work completed before the June 2026 wildfire reduced the amount of vegetation available to fuel the fire and was identified as an important factor in limiting its severity. The incident reinforced the importance of ongoing wildfire prevention and FireSmart practices in helping protect regional parks and nearby communities.
Residents are encouraged to check for updates at RDCO Parks and subscribe for notifications at RDCO Subscribe.
The Regional District of Central Okanagan offers more than 2,100 hectares of parkland, including 86 kilometres of designated trails in 30 regional parks
