HOT SPRINGS -- Hot Springs National Park will begin hazardous tree removal from the park's West Mountain on Tuesday and Wednesday, closing West Mountain Road to through traffic for the duration of the work.
About 12 trees along West Mountain and Summit Drive need to be removed because they are in danger of falling and pose a risk to park visitors, according to a news release.
"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," Ethan King, roads and trails supervisor, said in the release.
The park has commissioned an arborist to assist in determining which trees are considered hazardous along the trails and roadways, and will help evaluate the health of magnolia trees along the city's Bathhouse Row.
Metro on 10/13/2019