Wasatch Mountain State Park intends to build a new campground, raising concerns among park visitors as the plan involves tree removal, which may disrupt wildlife ecosystems.
The area near the Chalet lodge at Wasatch Mountain State Park has old cottonwood and black willow trees, some with thick, gnarled limbs protruding outward from the root, according to a report.
In the area where the future campground is located, some of the trees at its perimeter have recently been tagged with orange paint, sparking concerns about their bird habitats.
Division of State Parks Public Information Officer Devan Chavez confirmed the plan to take out ten trees for the new campground.
“That is because these trees are, quite frankly, they’re an eyesore to some, and they’re dangerous in other areas,” he said. “When you have dangerous situations like rotting trees, or old dried up trees falling over, pieces of and falling off, we don’t want anyone’s trailer or vehicle to get damaged or, you know, heaven forbid it falls on a tent or a runner across the trail or something like that.
Chavez said two weeks ago, a large limb fell across the road to the Chalet area.
He also said Horrocks Engineers conducted a study that found the project will not affect threatened or endangered species. He also added the park would plant 30 new trees.
Tree removal and construction aren’t scheduled yet, but the plan is to build ten new campsites to open by next summer.
The park hosted more than 500,000 visitors last year. Chavez said more people frequent local state parks as the population grows, and the Deer Creek and Jordanelle state parks are also building new campgrounds to accommodate the crowds.
For more information, visit stateparks.utah.gov or contact park managers or rangers with questions.
This article originally appeared on KCPW.