News & Media

EM Cowichan conducting wildfire risk-reduction work along Holland Creek Trail

Ladysmith, BC — Emergency Management Cowichan (EM Cowichan) will be conducting wildfire risk-reduction work along the lower Holland Creek Trail from November 10 to November 28.

The work will involve removing small trees, brush, and invasive plants to reduce wildfire risk while maintaining healthy forests and protecting streams, rivers, and wildlife habitats.

As a result, there will be temporary closures or delays on the Holland Creek Trail. EM Cowichan has indicated that disruptions will be kept as short as possible and limited to specific work areas. Residents and trail users are encouraged to stay aware of ongoing work, follow posted signage, and plan their visits accordingly.

“We recognize that temporary trail closures and delays can be frustrating, but this work is of utmost importance for the safeguarding of the Holland Creek corridor, nearby homes, and the wider community,” says Nicholas Pescod, the Town's Communications & Engagement Specialist.

Trail Access Map


Click on the map to see a larger version. Map provided by EM Cowichan.

Trail Schedule and Impacts

Zone	Work Dates	Trail Access Impacts
Area F	November 10–14	Short-term closures during tree falling, debris hauling, and chipping. Closures limited to 2–4 hours, primarily mid-morning to early afternoon, with signage and onsite personnel.
Area G	November 10–14	No closures anticipated.
Area D	November 17–21	Occasional closures near work zones (including near parking areas and behind RCMP/Municipal Hall). Closures 1–3 hours, with posted signage and advance notice.
Area E	November 17–21	Occasional closures near work zones (including near parking areas and behind RCMP/Municipal Hall). Closures 1–3 hours, with posted signage and advance notice.
Area A	November 24–28	Short-term closures during debris chipping, scheduled during non-peak hours where possible.
Area B	November 24–28	Brief closures of flagged sections during active chipping or heavy equipment use; cones and signage in place.
Area C	November 24–28	Brief closures of flagged sections during active chipping or heavy equipment use; cones and signage in place.
Area H	November 24–28	No closures anticipated.

Project Background

The project is part of the CVRD North Community Wildfire Prevention Plan (2018) and focuses on a 60-hectare area along the lower Holland Creek Trail, which is close to homes, heavily used by hikers, and located near critical infrastructure.

The lower Holland Creek area is classified as CDFmm (Coastal Douglas-fir, moist maritime) and experiences extended summer droughts, which increase wildfire risk.

The goal of the project is to reduce wildfire risk by managing fuels on the ground and in tree canopies, making fires less intense and easier to control. The work will also create “fuel breaks,” natural barriers that help slow or stop wildfires.

The forest along Holland Creek consists of both coniferous and deciduous trees. Work will focus on areas with higher conifer content, which pose a higher fire risk, while protecting important riparian zones.

As residential development and recreational use increase in the area, managing vegetation is critical to protecting:

• Homes and property
• Rare Douglas-fir ecosystems
• Streams, water quality, and fisheries
• Critical infrastructure
• Popular hiking trails

The treatment plan is designed to:

• Create shaded fuel breaks while maintaining diverse, healthy vegetation that supports wildlife
• Improve forest resilience by removing invasive plants and restoring native species
• Minimize impacts on trail users by phasing work carefully, especially following recent trail closures for culvert installation
• Provide opportunities to educate the public about FireSmart practices
• Avoid work in sensitive riparian areas unless required for safety