This week, several large, dead and/or diseased fir trees were removed from areas surrounding the Sarah Zigler Trailhead in the Jacksonville Woodlands Trail system. Following tree falling incidents last year, City Administrator Jeff Alvis undertook a tree health assessment and identified trees that were deemed hazardous to public safety and arranged for their removal. One of the main culprits in the demise of up to 29 trees was determined to be an infestation of pine beetles, which have ravaged forested areas throughout the Pacific Northwest. Thanks to the Jacksonville Woodlands Association, the City of Jacksonville and Bartlett Tree Service, the trail system is being maintained for optimal safety!
