PUBLIC LANDS -- The Forest Service has begun removing hazardous trees at the Stagger Inn Campground on the Priest Lake Ranger District and work will continue  through June 30, says Panhandle National Forests spokesman Jason Kirchner.

Stagger Inn and the adjacent Roosevelt Grove of Ancient Cedars and Granite Falls will remain closed during the operations.

“We ask that people remain patient as we work to make the Stagger Inn Campground safe for the public,” said Priest Lake District Ranger Matt Davis. “We recognize the importance of these sites to the Priest Lake area.  Our crews are working hard to reduce the hazards and reopen the site.”

High winds on Aug. 25, 2013, weakened and damaged several trees in the Stagger Inn Campground. A man was killed as a tree fell on his tent, prompting closure of the area.

Info: Priest Lake Ranger District at (208) 443-6839.