ARCATA, Calif. – The Bureau of Land Management will begin a fuels reduction project to reduce wildfire risk and improve forest health beginning Oct. 29 and continuing through February on public lands in the King Range National Conservation in southern Humboldt County.

The project will include tree stand thinning and mastication, or crushing, of small trees and brush along the Smith-Etter, Saddle Mountain and King Range roads.  Visitors could expect delays along these roads and will encounter heavy equipment.

“This project is critically important for improving health of the forest and reducing the risk of catastrophic wildfire,” said Paul Sever, manager of the King Range NCA. “We are asking the public to be patient as the work is completed.

The work is part of an ongoing forest health project funded by a Cal Fire grant. More information is available from the Arcata Field Office, 707-825-2300.

ARCATA, Calif.— The Bureau of Land Management will continue fuels reduction work in the King Range National Conservation Area to reduce the risk of wildfire and restore forest health. The work will begin in September and continue until February 2025. Work will occur along King Peak Road and the Paradise Royal Mountain Bike Trail.

Drivers could expect delays along King Peak Road and could encounter project work along trails.

“This project is aimed at improving fire resilience and forest health,” said King Range NCA Manager Paul Sever. “We are asking anyone visiting the area to be patient as this critical work is completed.”

On King Peak Road and connecting roads, crews will be cutting small trees and moving the material to a chipper on the roadway in a six-mile-long work area about two miles from the community of Shelter Cove. Along the Paradise Royale Mountain Bike Trail, crews will be cutting and piling material away from the trail along the entirety of the trail.

The project is part of an ongoing project funded by a Cal Fire forest health grant. More information is available from the King Range office in Whitethorn by calling 707-986-5400, or by contacting the BLM Arcata Field Office, 707-825-2300.