The City of Edmonton is asking for the public’s help in finding the people responsible for poisoning trees in the southwest end.
In the fall of 2016, City Urban Foresters found a large area of dead trees and brush along Valleyview Drive.
It’s believed the trees were contaminated by glyphosate, also know as Roundup, because of the pattern of die-off and amount of tree loss. Three mature elm trees died and were removed Tuesday.
READ MORE: Purposefully poisoned? City to cut down damaged trees in Valleyview
A number of rare birch trees in the river valley were also killed because of the poisoning.
“The City of Edmonton takes all acts of illegal tree cutting and chemical release very seriously,” Urban Forestry management supervisor Crispin Wood said.
“Trees on city property are a public asset. They belong to all of us, and they must be protected. Damaging trees and natural areas has a significant effect on wildlife, biodiversity, forest health and the appearance of our parkland.”
The city said it’s investigating the poisoning and has informed both Edmonton police and Alberta Environment and Parks.
In 2014, $19,000 worth of trees on Valleyview Point were cut down without consent from the city. City officials suspected a resident removed the trees to improve their view of downtown Edmonton.