Tree removal prompts closure of ice caves trail, picnic area

VERLOT — The Forest Service is closing the ice caves trail and the Big Four picnic area this week in order to get some big tree snags out of the way.

Forest Service officials are concerned that several of the snags are at risk for falling onto the trail. Explosives will be used to topple them. The removal of the hazardous trees is set for Wednesday through Friday.

“These snags are rotten and felling by chainsaw isn’t safe for our crews,” said Peter Forbes, Darrington District Ranger. “For public safety during the removal process, we are closing the surrounding area.”

Tree removal and clean-up will keep the picnic area, trail and parking lots closed until the project is finished. The gates will be closed. Walking around the gates, ignoring the closure signs and entering the area could cost you a fine, Forbes said.

“We are making every effort to complete this work prior to the upcoming holiday week,” Forbes said.

For more information, call 360-436-2316.

Talk to us

More in Local News

Dominic Wilson looks at his mother while she addresses the court during his sentencing at the Snohomish County Courthouse on Wednesday, March 15, 2023 in Everett, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Grief remains after sentencing of Marysville teen’s killers

Dominic Wilson must serve 17½ years in prison, while his accomplice Morzae Roberts was given a sentence of four years.

The Washington State University Everett campus on Wednesday, July 25, 2018 in Everett, Wa. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
WSU ends search to buy land for future branch campus in Everett

The university had $10M to spend. It tried for four years but couldn’t close deals with Everett’s housing authority or the city.

Former Opus Bank/Cascade Bank building in downtown Everett on Thursday, March 16, 2023 in Everett, Washington. It is proposed as the new home of Economic Alliance Snohomish County. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Economic Alliance asks Everett for $300K to move downtown

The countywide chamber of commerce and economic development organization also would reform the Everett chamber.

Logo for news use featuring the municipality of Mountlake Terrace in Snohomish County, Washington. 220118
Mountlake Terrace leaders weighing federal ARPA fund options

Bathrooms, body cameras, generators, radios, roadwork, roof replacement, sidewalks, trails and more loom for the $4.5 million.

Vehicles on Soper Hill Road wait in line to make unprotected left turns onto Highway 9 northbound and southbound during the evening commute Wednesday, March 15, 2023, in Lake Stevens, Washington. (Ryan Berry / The Herald)
Lake Stevens development prompts Highway 9 signal change soon

Turning left from Soper Hill Road can be a long wait now. Flashing yellow turn signals could help with more traffic.

Everett Public Schools chief information officer Brian Beckley, left, and state coordinator for the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) Ian Moore, right, pose for a photo in the server room at the Everett Public Schools Community Resource Center in Everett, Washington on Tuesday, March 21, 2023. (Annie Barker / The Herald)
Schools are ‘target rich’ for cyberattacks, fed agency helps fight back

A Cascade High School grad is heading up the effort in Washington. This week, he checked in with Everett school leaders.

Defense attorney Natalie Tarantino gives her opening statement in the trial of Richard Rotter at the Snohomish County Courthouse in Everett, Washington on Monday, March 20, 2023. (Annie Barker / The Herald)
Police give emotional testimony at Rotter trial

On the second day of trial in the slaying of Everett officer Dan Rocha, witnesses described a hectic scene after the shooting.

Logo for news use featuring the municipality of Monroe in Snohomish County, Washington. 220118
‘He still lives on through others’: Teen charged in fatal Monroe crash

The crash north of Monroe left Szander Pouv, 20, dead. An 18-year-old faces vehicular homicide charges.

The Walmart Store on 11400 Highway 99 on March 21, 2023 in in Everett, Washington. The retail giant will close the store on April 21, 2023. (Janice Podsada / The Herald)
Walmart announces Everett store on Highway 99 will close on April 21

The Arkansas-based retail giant said the 20-year-old Walmart location was “underperforming financially.”

Most Read