Jasper continues with program to replace fruit-bearing trees within townsite

A bear naps comfortably in a tree in Jasper after devouring fruit near a home in the townsite in this file photo. (Supplied).

Jasper National Park is continuing with its program to remove fruit trees from the Jasper townsite to discourage bear activity.

In recent years, bears have increasingly been drawn into town by non-native fruit trees, which poses a risk to humans and bears alike.

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As part of the program, residents and businesses that remove non-native fruit trees from their property can receive a replacement tree free of charge.

The following is a list of eligible recipients:

• Jasper residents and businesses who removed non-native fruit trees from their properties between 2019 and 2024;
• residents and businesses who remove non-native fruit trees in 2025; and
• residents who received a replacement tree in 2024 but lost it in the 2024 wildfire (These trees will be delivered in 2025 or 2026.).

Replacement trees include paper birch, Snowdance Japanese tree lilacs which attracts pollinators, red rocket maples and spring snow flowering crabapple (non-fruit bearing).

The replacement trees will be about 1.8 metres tall and 2.5 to four centimetres in diameter.

Officials expect to deliver 100 trees in mid-May.

Participants should plant their trees within two weeks for best results.

To participate in the fire, contact Parks Canada by email at [e-mail] or call 780-820-0853.