Splinter's Cabin / Hook Creek area to close for hazardous tree removal 1/23

[Old Fart]

Heads up to Forest Users in the Lake Arrowhead area.

With the recent increase in hazardous fuels funding, the USFS will
begin removing hazardous trees lining roads in a popular Lake
Arrowhead recreation area on the San Bernardino National Forest.

The area known as Hook Creek / T-6 / Splinter's Cabin experienced a
severe burn over in the October 2003 firestorms. Roads leading into
this area are lined with hazardous trees, which after two years pose
a hazard to the Forest Visitor.

Starting January 23rd, the project area will closed to all use. (No
Human Entry) Forest Roads 2N26Y (Hook Creek,) 3N34C (Splinter's
Cabin) and 3N34 from Tent Peg Group Campground to a point east of
2N25 will be closed. in addition the Northshore Hiking Trail and OHV
routes leading into the area will be closed. We anticipate
completing the work well before the Memorial Weekend Holiday.

Press Release will be going out by Tuesday for the Media. Temporary
Forest Order will be issued for this project.

[Old Fart]

Tree Removal Project begins in Splinters Cabin area

San Bernardino - Starting Monday January 23rd, The San Bernardino National Forest will be removing dead trees along Forest Roads 2N26Y,
3N34 and 3N34C in the Hook Creek, Splinters Cabin area of Lake Arrowhead.

The project will include removing dead and dying trees that threaten to
fall and block Forest roads. The trees in the area died as a result of the
drought and many died as a result of the Old Fire in October 2003.

Logging contractors may be using a helicopter in addition to heavy
equipment to fall and remove trees, posing a significant risk to the
public. The roads and trails in the area will be closed to all use (no
human entry) for the following reasons:

Trees being fallen may not fall exactly where the timber worker expects
it to, if the wood is rotten.

Pieces of limbs and woody debris frequently fly long distances when a
tree is fallen, potentially wounding a bystander that is not wearing
appropriate, protective clothing.

Branches or tops of fallen trees, precariously hanging in standing trees
(called widow-makers) will fall eventually and are dangerous.

Stacks of logs may look stable, but have the potential of rolling without
warning.

Forested ground disturbed by tree removal activities can have unexpected
holes in the ground.

Public safety is the most important reason for staying away from logging
operations, however, staying out of areas active operations also helps
timber operators do their job faster, as well. Being able to complete the
job efficiently means the closure is over more quickly, and safety for
workers and the public is always the paramount consideration.

Acting District Ranger Jon Regelbrugge stated "We are starting this project
now to make sure we can have the area open before the busy recreation
season in late spring" Ranger Regelbrugge also noted "The increased
funding the Forest Service received recently came at the right time, since
the trees in this area are starting to fall and pose a hazard to the
public"

This area is a very popular destination for hikers, swimmers, OHV
enthusiasts and fisherman from spring through fall. Forest Visitors are
encouraged to call the Skyforest Ranger Station at (909)-382-2782 to
discover the many other great recreation destinations and outings offered
on the San Bernardino National Forest.