Published on January 24, 2024
HELENA, Mont. – The City of Helena’s Open Lands division has begun removing trees from Mount Helena that were killed by the recent Douglas fir engraver beetle outbreak. Last spring, City staff placed pheromone capsules on trees on the North face of Mount Helena in response to the outbreak. Approximately 900 capsules were placed to deter beetles from infesting new trees.
The removal effort will address the trees that were lost during the outbreak. Beetle killed trees will be marked with a horizontal orange paint mark approximately 4.5 feet high. The orange paint marked trees will be felled and hand piled for eventual burn disposal. Trail users can expect to see warning signs positioned in the pathway of trails located adjacent to active forestry operations.
The City’s Open Lands team has been working with Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation since the outbreak occurred. Staff estimate multiple thousands of trees will need to be removed due to beetle kill.
Questions about the work can be directed to Helena’s Open Lands Manager, Brad Langsather, at 406-447-8454.