Dead Tubbs Hill trees to come down

The city of Coeur d’Alene posted on its Facebook page Friday that in order to help enhance public safety, a city crew will remove dead trees on Tubbs Hill on Tuesday, June 19, and Wednesday, June 20.

The social media post said the city’s Parks and Recreation Department and Coeur d’Alene Fire Department manage risk trees on Tubbs Hill yearly. Risk trees are those that are dead, dying, or have structural defects and are in close proximity to hiking trails, the post said. Due to a root rot disease and drought conditions there has been an increase in the number of dead trees on the hill. Crews will cut some of these dead trees and leave the debris onsite to break down naturally.

Dead standing trees have major benefits for wildlife habitat but can cause a public safety threat if they are too close to hiking trails, explained the Facebook post. Tree risk assessments and removals also eliminate some of the most hazardous elements to firefighters while fighting fires on the hill. The Fire Department, Parks & Recreation Department and Idaho Department of Lands have combined resources to identify these trees and will distinguish those not being used as habitat for wildlife. Staff previously consulted with Idaho Fish and Game and local forest insect and disease experts in management efforts.

This work will make the hill a healthier forest and a safer place for recreation users, said the city’s Facebook post. No healthy trees will be removed and many dead trees will be left for wildlife habitat. Ongoing seedling planting efforts of species tolerant of root rot pathogens continue to promote a healthy stand of trees.

While tree work is in progress, there will be temporary trail delays; however there will not be any full trail closures. Most of the work will take place within the morning hours. Residents are cautioned to look out for posted signs and personnel who will be preventing access into work zones.