Cover photo courtesy of Shallan Knowles
Trail users planning visits to Riverside State Park this summer should be aware of a major forest health project that began in April and will continue through June. The project covers a 340-acre area between Seven Mile Road and Carlson Road and aims to reduce wildfire risk and improve overall forest resilience by thinning dense undergrowth and removing weak or dead trees. Heavy equipment may be active throughout the project zone while the project is underway, and several popular trails and trailheads will be closed for public safety. Affected areas include the Deep Creek and McLellan trailheads, the Centennial Trail segment between McLellan and Carlson, the full Osprey Loop, and portions of singletrack trails 25, 230, 400, 402 and 403.
Be sure to check the latest updates and trail closure maps on the Riverside State Park website before heading out. While temporary closures may impact summer recreation plans, the long-term goal is a healthier, safer forest that protects local residents from wildfire and enhances wildlife habitat. (OTO)
