On Tuesday, Feb. 26, to reduce risk to park goers as well as damage to the
American River Parkway trail and surrounding area,
Sacramento County Regional Parks will begin the removal of 31 trees that have been identified as hazardous. The trees identified are adjacent to the multi-use trail between approximately Mile Marker four downriver to Discovery Park.
Recent storms have caused two large cottonwood trees to fall near that area, and at the request of Regional Parks, an arborist evaluated and identified 31 trees which are adjacent to the multi-use trail of the Jedediah Smith Memorial Trail as hazardous. The initial report that identified 31 trees as hazardous was also confirmed by an independent arborist.
“We'd rather not remove trees from the Parkway,” said Liz Bellas, Director of Regional Parks. “We wanted to get a second opinion from an independent arborist to make sure we aren’t removing trees that we absolutely do not have to. Unfortunately, tree removal is sometimes necessary to ensure the safety of trail users and park patrons.”
In addition to the arborists’ assessments, Regional Parks’ staff have completed a field study to confirm no nesting birds are in the trees slated for removal and consulted with the necessary permitting agencies.
This removal project is scheduled to last three weeks. The trail will remain open, but expect short delays as use will be halted for short periods while equipment is moving and trees are being felled. Trail users are advised to follow all roadway signs and to use caution while utilizing the trail in the affected area.
