Meeting to Discuss Plans for Infected Trees at Kopachuck

The Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission will be hosting a public meeting on Thursday, Jan. 12, to discuss plans to remove diseased trees at . The campground is the subject of an emergency closure due to a significant tree disease issue.

In recent times, park staff noticed a gradual, but growing, pattern of dying trees in the campground. In consultation with Washington Department of Natural Resources pathologists, tree pathogens, particularly . This pathogen can cause entire trees to fail with little or no warning, thus posing a significant risk to visitors, staff, and facilities. Through extensive field sampling, staff has now been able to more clearly pinpoint areas with diseased trees. 

In the next few months, State Parks will be implementing prescriptions to reduce the risk of tree failure associated with laminated root rot in developed and associated areas of the park. Trees are to be treated (cut) and sold (those excess to park needs).

To provide more details on the planned treatments, State Parks will be holding an informational meeting on Thursday, Jan. 12 from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. at , located at  10414 56th Street Northwest in Gig Harbor.

Information provided by Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission.