A hill of a job

COEUR d’ALENE — Removal of an estimated 50 trees toppled on Tubbs Hill during last month’s windstorm could begin later this month.

A team of foresters, Friends of Tubbs Hills members, city officials and others toured the lakeside treasure on Friday to survey the situation and determine a next step.

“The brain trust was there,” said Bill Greenwood, city parks director.

Mostly ponderosa pine and some Douglas fir came crashing down Jan. 13 as winds reached up to an estimated 60 mph. Some were uprooted along the main trail, while others fell across it. Many came down on hillsides.

The main lower trail has been cleared, with sections cut from trees blocking the way for walkers. The upper trails are clear, as well.

Now, the city is deciding how to remove them from the popular 120-acre hill used by runners, hikers and dog walkers year-round.

Ideas range from pulling them out and sending them to a mill, which could generate revenue. Other options are bringing in wood chippers, or using a “lop and scatter: method,” which means cutting it into small pieces and leaving it behind.

The group, which included Urban Forestry Committee members and an entomologist, is expected to have proposals for the city to consider soon.

Greenwood said citizens may see removal operations underway within a few weeks.

“There are lots of ideas in the works,” he said. “I’ll leave it to the experts.”