Tubbs Hill hazardous tree work set for Nov. 9

In the interest of public safety and to mitigate possible fire hazards, officials next week will remove a small number of dead and diseased trees from Tubbs Hill.

The routine work, conducted annually, targets ailing trees near public trails and also trees that pose a risk to firefighters while fighting fires on the hill, said Coeur d’Alene Urban Forestry Coordinator Katie Kosanke. In all, about 20 trees have been identified for removal.

The Coeur d’Alene Fire Department and Parks and Recreation Department manage hazardous trees on Tubbs Hill yearly. This year some of the maintenance will be done with the assistance of city firefighters undergoing training from the Idaho Department of Lands.

Kosanke said the city has an obligation to manage the forest fuels and hazardous trees for the preservation of Tubbs Hill and public safety. The fire department has an obligation to train employees to recognize hazards, safely mitigate those hazards and provide skills and certifications that will continue to benefit all who enjoy hiking all the trails around Tubbs.

The trees identified for removal will be dropped, limbed if needed, and left for wildlife and to break down naturally onsite. During that time there may be temporary trail closures and detours.

Ongoing seedling planting efforts continue to develop a healthy stand of trees that are less susceptible to root disease, Kosanke said.