A project aimed at managing flood concerns at Bridgeview Park South in Petrolia is underway.
The Town of Petrolia is working with the St. Clair Region Conservation Authority to build additional wetlands to collect stormwater overflow and provide filtration to water before it enters Bear Creek.
Petrolia's Director of Facilities and Community Services Dave Menzies said the project will benefit wildlife habitats, retain existing healthy trees and reduce the need for park maintenance in the floodplain where standing water has persisted for several years.
"We're going to start with the removal of dead trees, walnuts and ash mostly, then the contractor will come in and start to build the wetland," said Menzies. "We'll use some of the old stumps to help build the berms. We will help plant pollinators and seedlings."
He said funds obtained from the sale of trees will be placed in the parks fund.
"We've been able to secure, through the tree removal company, a sawmill to purchase the walnut trees. We'll use that revenue to help purchase new trees. The ash, it's basically free for the residents to help clean it up and take it away."
Anyone taking ash wood, which will be placed in the parking lot once it's cut, is encouraged to donate toward the cost of planting new trees.
Menzies said crews will be working on the project over the next several weeks.
Residents are asked to avoid using the area for their own safety.