01/04/2025
Hi Folks: Please help us spread the word to your family and friends!!!
IT IS EXTREMELY DANGEROUS TO BE ON THE TRAILS IN IRVINE PARK. We cannot stress enough how dangerous this is.
Walkers and runners have literally been moving within feet of logging equipment in operation. A dozen (or more) people and pets walked through the active logging zone each of the last two days. It is very difficult for the loggers and truck drivers to see people and pets. Many people (Park Staff, Foresters, Loggers, Wood Buyers, Truckers) are working to complete this project as quickly as possible but this can't happen if the loggers need to wait for people to walk or run through to fell large trees that weigh several tons!
I have personally been inspecting the site when logging equipment was inactive and have witnessed large limbs falling down within the areas that have been cut. There may be NO logging activity, but the danger persists until a few wind events blow hanging limbs free from the canopy of residual trees.
We understand that most people are not familiar with logging. That is why the Park Staff has posted information on their page. We have posted signage and barricades. We placed brush piles at the southern trail entrances and on the blacktop near the rumbly bridge. Frankly, it seems quite disrespectful when people disregard all of these obvious forms of communication.
The beloved woodland within Irvine Park needs this management badly. The numbers of dead and dying trees are staggering. This management prescription is designed to help these forest stands become more healthy and resilient. Please do what you can to prevent this positive activity from becoming a tragedy.
If you are reading this message, please stay out of the woodland in the northwest portion of the Park. Please spread the word to anyone you know who uses this area. Please help us keep people and pets safe.
We are fortunate to have many nearby alternatives to walking on this site at this time. Erickson Park, Casper Park, Kemper's Woods, Hallie Marsh State Wildlife Area, Joas Nature Preserve, Ice Age Trail, Old Abe Trail.........................................................
Sincerely,
Mike Dahlby and the Staff of Dahlby Conservation Services, LLC.
