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Spokane, Washington  Est. May 19, 1883

Forest Service warns of snapping trees in North Idaho

Associated Press

Large fir trees in North Idaho are supporting so many cones that they are in danger of snapping.

The Coeur d’Alene Press reported U.S. Forest Service officials believe last year’s weather extremes caused the excessive cone load at the top of the grand fir trees. The agency issued a safety warning about the trees.

Idaho Panhandle National Forest Public Affairs Officer Shoshana Cooper said forest visitors should be aware of what’s going on in the trees above them.

Cooper said last summer’s drought and November’s windstorm damaged the root system and caused heavy cone production.

She said anyone who sees a dangerous tree in a camping area should notify district rangers.