Traffic delays expected on Western Divide

Hazard trees will be cut down

Fire personnel will be busy this week cutting down hazard trees that are about to fall down along the Western Divide Highway (M107) and M50 in the Giant Sequoia National Monument and Sequoia National Forest.

Crews will begin near the intersection of Parker Pass and Western Divide Highway, then work their way north to Quaking Aspen Campground along M107. Additional work will occur toward Johnsondale, along M50.

Traffic control will be in place while work is done along the highway, but travelers should know to be extra cautious when driving through work zones and expect delays along these routes.

“We appreciate the public’s patience and understanding as we work to improve the safety of these areas,” stated District Ranger Eric Laprice. “Please use caution when traveling through work zones for your safety and that of our Forest Service personnel.”

Once the trees are down, they will be cut up to be collected by woodcutters under the personal use of the woodcutting program. Leftover debris will be piled for burning next fall.

The California Smoke jumpers, based in Redding, are assisting local crews who have been working for months to mitigate hazard trees across the forest. Crew members are experienced tree fallers and they are firefighters assigned locally until they are called to a wildfire. All crews received training on how to evaluate and document trees as being dead or dying.

Other priority treatments are ongoing, focusing on mitigating hazard tree danger to recreational facilities campgrounds, trail heads, picnic areas, as well as along power lines, roads, trails and private property interface.