Ahead of the Jasper National Park 2024 Annual Public Forum, Parks Canada is launching a fruit tree replacement program.

The announcement comes after the 2023 summer season wherein more than 400 bear-related incidents in the Jasper townsite were responded to by wildlife officials. The main cause, Parks Canada says, was bears being drawn to non-native fruit trees.

“[This leads] to safety risks as bears foraged in residential areas, including near schools and playgrounds,” the announcement states.

The fruit tree replacement program incentivizes leaseholders who remove a non-native fruit tree with a replacement non-fruit-bearing tree.

“Managing fruit trees and other attractants in the only viable approach to keeping bears out of town, reducing the risk to human safety and supporting ecosystem health,” Parks Canada says.

Jasper residents and businesses who removed non-native fruit trees from their properties between 2019 and 2023 will be given priority for replacement trees. Residents and businesses who remove fruit trees in 2024 will also be eligible.

Parks Canada says a total of 270 trees are available for the spring 2024 launch, with plans to expand the program in 2025.

Six tree species will be available: native trembling aspen, paper birch and non–fruit-bearing columnar aspen, spring snow flowering crabapple, Amur maple and silver maple.

Replacement trees will be approximately six feet tall and 1-1.5 inches in diameter, ensuring a strong start for growth, Parks Canada said.

Delivery of trees is scheduled for late May or early June 2024. Recipients are encouraged to plant their trees within two weeks of delivery to ensure optimal establishment.

To participate, contact Parks Canada by email jasperwildlife-jasperfaune@pc.gc.ca or call 780-820-0853. You can also sign up at the Annual Public Forum (tonight).