Phase 1 of Hazard Tree Mitigation in Blue 2 and South Fork Burn Areas Completed
Phase 1 Hazard Tree Mitigation has been completed in the Blue 2 and South Fork Burned Areas on the Smokey Bear Ranger District.
Oct. 27, 2025 —Crews have completed Phase 1 of hazard tree mitigation in the Blue 2 and South Fork burned areas of the Lincoln National Forest. This critical post-fire recovery effort focused on high-use zones to enhance public safety and protect Forest Service infrastructure and adjacent private property within the burn scars.
Key Project Actions:
Work included the targeted felling of standing dead trees that posed a risk of falling near major roads, recreation sites, trailheads, boundary fences, and other areas where the public may gather.
All mitigation activities were conducted on USDA Forest Service lands, with special attention to property boundaries and rights-of-way.
Felled trees will remain in place until Phase 2, which will focus on removal and disposal.
This milestone marks an important step toward restoring safe access and preparing the landscape for long-term recovery. Planning for Phase 2 is underway.
For Lincoln National Forest news and updates, visit https://www.fs.usda.gov/r03/lincoln, and follow on Facebook.
