The Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest is seeking public comments on a proposal to address roadside “danger trees” in fire-affected areas across the forest.
According to a U.S. Forest Service press release, recent wildfires have killed and weakened trees along many miles of forest roads, including approximately 170 miles that are currently closed due to safety concerns resulting from wildfire.
The project proposes danger tree removal along 452 miles of roads, according the national forest website. The roads proposed for treatment are in seven different fire areas: Diamond Creek, Mcleod, Cub Creek 2, Cedar Creek, Crescent Mountain, Twentyfive Mile, Schneider Springs and Jolly Mountain.
According to the release, treatments would be prioritized to address the most heavily used roads that are open to the public and the most fire-impacted trees. “Implementation would start in areas where roads are currently closed and then move to other high-risk locations, based on the condition of trees along affected roads. Most treatments would occur within three years of authorization,” the release said.
Public feedback is sought during a 30-day combined scoping and comment period. Additional information on the proposal and how to comment are available online at www.fs.usda.gov/project/?project=62402.
Questions can be directed to the project lead, John Dow, at (719) 250-5311 or john.dow@usda.gov.
