Helena National Forest

Although dead and dying trees are a natural part of the forest environment they are not acceptable in developed recreation sites on the National Forest System lands. Dead trees are considered a hazard when located in developed areas such as cammpgrounds. Each spring campgrounds are inspected for hazards. All idnntified hazards are removed or mitigated before the sites are open for public use. The recent insect epidemic on the Helena National Forest significantly impacted serveral popular campgrounds.

The montain pine beetle infestation on the Helena Forest was so extensive it resulted in the closure of several popular campgrounds. Park Lake Campground was closed during the summer of 2009 and again in 2010. Hazard trees were removed during the summer of 2010 and the campground was opened for the Labor Day weekend. Photos of the campground and lakeshore provide a "before tree removal" and "after tree removal" views of the recreation area..

Two additional campgrounds -Moose Creek and Kading on the Helena Ranger District remain closed until hazard trees are removed. The removal of hazard trees is scheduled for the fall of 2010 and following winter. Both campgrounds should again be available to the public during the summer of 2011.