California National Forest To Begin Removing Trees This Week

Starting Wednesday, contractors will begin removing trees within the Hume Lake Ranger District of the Sequoia National Forest. Per a U.S. Forest Service Facebook post, the project, which spans approximately ten miles of the Generals Highway, is being undertaken to enhance visitor safety and protect infrastructure. The work will commence at the Redwood Mountain Overlook and progress south and east to Forest Route 15S03 and the Sequoia National Park boundary.

The tree removal is a response to the KNP Complex Wildfire that swept through the parks in the fall of 2021, causing extensive tree mortality and posing a direct risk to human safety and property. The project will also treat much of the debris that falls within 80 feet of the road’s edge, protecting passageways that serve as fire breaks, evacuation routes, and access for firefighters and other emergency personnel.

The decision to proceed with the project, referred to as a Finding of No Significant Impact (FONSI), represents the final stage in the National Park Service’s project development, review, and approval process. This included public scoping on the proposed action in summer 2022, Tribal and agency consultation, and most recently, the development and spring 2023 public review of an environmental assessment.

Travelers are warned that the work may lead to traffic delays. The project is anticipated to begin this summer and will likely continue into 2024.