Dead, dying trees in Northwest may force campground closures

Recently, in the Idaho panhandle and eastern Washington, an alarming number of trees infected with root rot have been identified in developed campgrounds. The Forest Service has been trying to remove hazard tree with minimal impact on the campground and campers. However, the problem is reaching levels where the Forest Service feels, for camper safety, campgrounds may temporarily need o be closed.

If you plan on camping in the above mentioned area, please call ahead for current conditions to ensure you will find that your campground is available.

To recognize a hazard tree, first look up! Tips to identifying a hazard tree from Hazard Tree Safety brochure are: broken branches scattered on the ground, signs of disease such as mushrooms, split bark or a cracked trunk, soil heaving around the base of the tree, and the tree leaning at more than a 10% angle.

What to do
Move your campsite out of the danger zone. In other words, if the tree is 20-feet tall, your campsite should be at least 25-feet away from that tree. And never under-estimate the danger posed by a hazard tree of any size. Camp safely.




Source: ForestCamping.com