LAKE COUNTY, Calif. – Caltrans reported that it has begun the process of removing hazardous trees along several state highways that run through Lake County.
Caltrans said it has identified dead and dying trees that are hazardous and pose a significant threat to the safety of motorists, bicyclists and pedestrians, impacting the safety of the traveling public along Routes 20, 29, 53 and 175.
Most of the identified trees were damaged by the Valley fire in 2015, Caltrans said.
After the initial removal of dead trees during the Valley fire cleanup, it was determined that a certified arborist would reassess trees that were identified with the potential for recovery at a later date. Caltrans said these trees are located along our right-of-way and on personal property.
Each tree is evaluated for health, viability, and the potential to become an immediate or future hazard to public safety, according to Caltrans.
Property owners will be contacted by Caltrans to perform the tree assessments along the right-of-way on their property. They will be sent a “permission to enter” that will allow Caltrans to cut and remove the identified trees or keep the timber for personal use.
If homeowners refuse the removal of the trees by Caltrans, they will be held liable if the trees fall, causing damage or harm to utilities or the traveling public, Caltrans said.
Caltrans said reasons for removing live trees include the presence of internal decay, insect damage, fungus, signs of stress such as excessive pitching and/or deformed growth, loose bark, signs of instability and fire damage.
The arborist has currently identified more than 500 trees that need to be removed, although there are many more miles of road to assess, Caltrans said.
Dead or dying trees will be marked with a blue paint ring to facilitate identification. Caltrans said hazardous tree removal began Monday, Sept. 30.
Caltrans begins removal of hazardous trees along Lake County highways
- Lake County News reports
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