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"The Weitas site has been used as a campground for at least several decades. In fact there is some evidence that the site may have been used by Indigenous people before recorded history. It continued to be a popular campground until the decision was made in 2000 to close the area to camping until the problem of hazardous trees could be dealt with. Conversion of the site from western redcedar to grand fir and subsequent maturation of the grand fir, have lead to a serious root disease situation. Annosus root disease (Heterobasidion annosum), accompanied by fir engraver beetle (Scolytus ventralis), is the primary cause of tree death. These trees are especially hazardous because both roots and stems are compromised and either structure is likely to fail in both live and dead trees. The campground borders both the North Fork of the Clearwater River and Weitas Creek and is accessed using the Weitas Creek bridge connecting forest roads 105 and 105A. Protection of the riparian zone along the river and creek is among the stated objectives of this assessment. In addition to standard hazard tree evaluation, we looked for opportunities to minimize the necessity for hazard tree removal within the riparian protection zone. We mapped and measured a total of 917 trees in Weitas campground area. In the area between the 105A road and the riparian zone (the actual camping sites), 487 trees were mapped and measured. An additional 215 trees in the riparian zone were mapped and diameters were estimated. In the "adjacent zone" above, and within 150 feet of, the 105A road trees that were recommended for retention were measured and evaluated for root disease but not mapped. There were 215 trees included in this tally. In the riparian protection zone, 8 percent of trees (17 trees) were recommended for removal as hazard trees, 6 of these were dead. In the camping area between the riparian protection zone and the 105A road, 57 percent were recommended for removal, 17 percent of these were dead. Where possible, clusters of trees were identified for retention to minimize the adverse effects of tree cutting on the site. The treatment will not significantly reduce the likelihood of root disease causing the death of remaining trees. Root disease mortality will be an ongoing source of hazard trees in Weitas campground as long as grand fir or Douglas-fir is present."--Summary

Tree hazard evaluation --- Camp sites, facilities, etc. --- Safety measures.