Dillon, MT September 24, 2020 – A hazard tree has structural defects that make it likely to fall without warning. Structural defects are caused by beetle kill, age, fire, disease and other factors. Falling hazard trees pose a risk to public safety, in the forest on trails and at campsites.  Fallen trees may partial or totally block trails and roads.

This time of year, storm fronts include gusty winds and snow and ice increasing the risk that hazard trees will fall.

Recreation and trail crews on the Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest report that many of the trails and roads have been cleared multiple times. All visitors to the National Forest should be prepared for downed trees on trails and roads.  Please locate camps in safe locations away from hazard trees. Always be aware of your surroundings and look up while on trails. Avoid the timbered areas when it is windy and avoid camping in dense patches of dead trees.