Yesterday, I got an email from Craig Bobzien, Black Hills National Forest Supervisor, with some good advice about staying safe while you’re out enjoying all that the Black Hills region has to offer.

It’s no secret that parts of the Black Hills have been affected by a bark beetle epidemic that has weakened or killed many trees. Areas of the forest near Harney Peak and into Custer State Park have been hit especially hard. I took the photo above from the top of Little Devils Tower a couple weeks ago – the reddish, rusty-looking trees are what the affected areas look like.

The advice from Supervisor Bobzien and the Forest Service was very straightforward, but I thought was important to share. Here goes:

• Falling trees are dangerous.
• Trees can fall suddenly and without warning.
• Recent heavy rains have saturated soils in the region, increasing chances that even healthy trees can tip over, especially on windy days.
• When in the woods, always be aware of your surroundings. Look up. Look down. Look all around and know what is nearby.
• Look out for and show extra caution around trees with:
  • Red needles
  • Gray trees with no needles
  • Dead branches or tree tops
  • Trees with fire scars, rot, fungus or growths on the bark
• Avoid camping where a falling tree could injure you.
• Try not to park your vehicle under hazardous-looking trees.
• Stay away from trees during thunderstorms, lightning and high winds.

I spend a lot of time outdoors here in the Black Hills and I’ll admit – it’s easy to forget that the forest is a living and always-changing thing. Whether you’re hiking, biking, climbing or just sitting quietly – however you enjoy the Black Hills National Forest this summer, these reminders and some common sense can go a long way. If you have other suggestions for staying safe while in the woods, feel free to share them in the comments section below.

Stay safe, everybody. And, enjoy your time in the Black Hills!