Dead Trees Force Popular Forest Campground To Close

Sonora, CA – Stanislaus National Forest officials report the shutdown is only for next week while dead and dying trees are removed.

The popular Hull Creek Campground known for its proximity to quality Off-Highway Vehicle recreation sites in the Mi-Wok Ranger District will see a full closure from 7 a.m. Monday through 6 p.m. Friday for a tree-felling project.  Spokesperson Rebecca Garcia reports the gates will be closed with no public access permitted.  She adds, “There are approximately 12 to 14 trees adjacent to campsites that are at risk of falling.  Forest Service crews will fall the trees, chip the limbs and leave the logs on site.”

As previously reported, the forest has already removed more than 10,000 hazardous trees since last fall.  This project is part of those actions to mitigate potential hazards caused by dead and dying trees due to drought, increasing temperatures and bark beetle infestation throughout the Sierra Nevada.

Forest officials caution all visitors to be aware of their surroundings and always keep an eye out for the possibility of dead trees or branches falling in the forest.