Phase 1 Hazard Tree Mitigation Begins in the Blue 2 and South Fork Burned Areas
Post Fire Recovery Work Breaks Ground on the Smokey Bear Ranger District
Contact Information: Jorden Scott jorden.scott@usda.gov
Alamogordo, N.M., Oct. 14, 2025 — Crews will begin Phase 1 hazard tree mitigation in the Blue 2 and South Fork burned areas of Lincoln National Forest starting October 10. This critical post-fire recovery effort focuses on high-use areas to enhance public safety and protect Forest Service and adjacent landowner property within the burn scars. Hazard tree mitigation focuses on cutting down standing dead trees that pose an impending danger of falling near major roads, recreation sites (e.g., trailheads, picnic areas, etc.), infrastructure, and areas where public may concentrate on public land managed by the Forest Service.
Key Project Actions:
- Targeted felling of hazard trees along Forest Service property, rights-of-way, main roads, boundary fences, recreation areas, and trailheads.
- Mitigation methods include cutting or felling; felled trees will remain in place until Phase 2 removal.
- Work will occur only on USDA Forest Service lands when near property boundaries.
This project marks an important step in restoring safe access and preparing the landscape for long-term recovery. For LNF news and updates visit the LFN website, and follow us on (Facebook).
About the Forest Service: The USDA Forest Service has for more than 100 years brought people and communities together to answer the call of conservation. Grounded in world-class science and technology– and rooted in communities–the Forest Service connects people to nature and to each other. The Forest Service cares for shared natural resources in ways that promote lasting economic, ecological, and social vitality. The agency manages 193 million acres of public land, provides assistance to state and private landowners, maintains the largest wildland fire and forestry research organizations in the world. The Forest Service also has either a direct or indirect role in stewardship of about 900 million forested acres within the U.S., of which over 130 million acres are urban forests where most Americans live.
