Hot Springs National Park will begin hazardous tree removal from West Mountain on October 15 and 16, 2019. During this time, West Mountain Road will be closed to through traffic.
There are approximately twelve trees along West Mountain and Summit Drive that need to be removed. The selected trees were determined to have reached the point of structural failure and if not removed, there is the risk one or more could pose a threat to visitor safety.
“This is the best time for our staff to take care of these hazardous trees. The likelihood of increased wind and rain this time of year increases the chances that these trees could fall onto the road or onto trails. Since January 2019 we have removed approximately 120 such trees in the park and we continue to monitor and prioritize others for removal,” said Ethan King, Roads and Trails Supervisor.
The park has commissioned an arborist to assist in determining which trees are considered hazardous along the trails and roadways within the park, including evaluating the health of the magnolia trees along Bathhouse Row.