East/Norse Peak Fire, Do not wear white up there!

It is interesting that the Suiattle fire in Tenas creek area closed off access til December 31, 17 but the Norse creek area in Dec. of 18? Equal risks if the tree damage was similar but Tenas creek area is seldomly visited and not a skiers destination. Can't say same about East Peak environs. Much higher number of possible "incidents" in the Norse peak fire area if not restricted. Makes some sense but still unpopular as hell.

It seems like the FS is mostly concerned about hazards along roads and developed areas, where they do have some protocols for identifying and removing hazard trees. There is a very dense PDF on this I am happy to link anyone to for bedtime reading. The Forest Management plan for Mt. Baker/Snoqualmie NF requires that the FS "Provide for the safety of Forest users (this includes hazard tree
removal in camp and picnic grounds, in administrative sites, and along roads open to the public.)" I can't find much of any official directives on hazard tree management away from developed areas. However, the FS does have some broad "public safety" powers to close areas. The FS guy I spoke with indicated they are specifically concerned with 72 road. I agree with Randy that this appears to be basically a CYA effort.

As far as East Peak/Boullion goes, research reveals that there is no posted signage, there are plenty of people using the area, and the FS seems to have no interest in enforcing the closure.

If anyone thinks we should raise a fuss with the FS, let me know. In the meantime, try not to get hit on the head with any trees.

Nice work. Thank you CBAlliance.

Awesome -- thank you CBA!