The cost of restoring Vancouver's Stanley Park following this winter's series of destructive storms could reach $9 million, according to Vancouver Park Board staff.

The board says most of the money will be used to rebuild the seawall around the park and replant trees. Roughly 3,000 trees were destroyed by hurricane-force winds in mid-December.

Almost $3 million has been raised in private donations, and the federal government has pledged $2 million.

Meanwhile, a scientist is warning the park faces the threat of infestation by destructive insects, which is adding urgency to the cleanup of fallen timber.

Entomologist John McLean says as a port city, Vancouver may be at risk for a foreign insect invasion.

A local pest known as the Douglas fir bark beetle could also pose a threat to the park in its compromised state.

When he meets with park board staff this week McLean plans to propose a survey to be conducted this summer of the insect species already in the park.

With files from the Canadian Press