Forest Safety Project at Lionhead Campground at Priest Lake Begins Next Week

A combination of rot, age, insect infestation and other factors created a hazardous condition in trees around the Lionhead Campground, which prompted the Idaho Department of Parks and Recreation to undertake a safety project.

Experts from IDPR and the Idaho Department of Lands recently determined that many trees in and around the campground present an immediate danger and must be removed. Numerous hemlock, grant fir, western white pine and cedar trees show rot, decay and insect intrusion. The weakened trees could easily fall in windy or wet conditions.

"It will be a stark change, but safety has to come first," said Keith Jones, IDPR's statewide natural resource manager. "It's a clear and present danger."

Jones said the visual impact at Lionhead will be noticeable.

The work will be finished before the end of calendar 2024. The department will rehabilitate the forest once the suspect trees have been removed.