Increased hazard tree removal begins in Stanislaus National Forest

Sonora, Calif., April 5, 2016…The U.S. Forest Service is conducting hazard tree abatement and fuels reduction work on the Mi-Wok Ranger District, Stanislaus National Forest (STF) in response to increasing tree mortality and public safety concerns beginning this week. A Type II crew of Forest Service staff are responding to priority treatment areas located throughout the forest, specifically beginning in and around the communities of Mt. Knight and Jupiter (east of Columbia), along Forest Road 4N01 (off of Italian Bar Road) and on public lands adjacent to private property boundary lines.

In order to fall trees and pile slash, staff and equipment will be operating within 200 feet of forest system roads. Independent contractors may also be conducting hazard tree falling operations throughout the forest. The public is advised to exercise caution when traveling and recreating in the forest. Please pay attention to your surroundings, and be sure to read and comply with all advisory signs.

The STF is implementing a plan for the strategic treatment of hazards posed by tree mortality on public land, and is seeking more resources to address these concerns. Future treatment areas will focus on identified high hazard areas, to include: land adjacent to communities; campgrounds and trail heads; administrative facilities; and alongside roadways.

Members of the public can fill out a Hazard Tree Evaluation Request Form for consideration of specific hazard tree abatement on the national forest, adjacent to private land. Forms are available online and at the Visitor Information Desk on each ranger district. Priority/need for hazard tree abatement will be considered on a case-by-case basis using established agency requirements for the identification and removal of hazard trees. For more information on tree mortality/hazard tree abatement operations, stop by your nearest Forest Service District Office or call: Stanislaus Supervisor’s Office at 209 532-3671; Calaveras Ranger District (RD) at 209 795-1381; Groveland RD at 209 962-7825; Mi-Wok RD at 209 586-3234; or Summit RD at 209 965-3434.