News Release

Temporary Closure of Locust Grove and the Kettle Falls Trail System for Tree Thinning at Lake Roosevelt National Recreation Area

News Release Date: January 3, 2018

Contact: Ben McKay, 509-754-7872

Beginning at 12:01 am January 4, 2018, and remaining until further notice, the Superintendent has closed all federal land located within Locust Grove, Lions Island, and the Kettle Falls Trail System areas under the authority granted by 36 CFR §1.5(a) (1). This closure is due to significant safety concerns associated with a tree thinning project at these locations and includes all vehicle, horse, and foot traffic. Tree felling operations pose a significant risk to visitors due to snags, tree falling and heavy equipment operations. 

In an effort to control the spread of black locust (Robinia pseudoacacia), a non-native invasive tree species, the National Park Service will begin the process of selectively removing these trees. Over the recent past, a planting of black locust trees in the area once occupied by the Old Town of Kettle Falls have rapidly begun to spread and overwhelm native habitats surrounding the extensive visitor use area associated with Lake Roosevelt’s Kettle Falls Campground, Marina, Day Use and Swimming Area, scattered picnic areas and associated trail system between these developments. Since the original plantings around the Old Town of Kettle Falls, black locust trees have easily naturalized and have now infested over 75 acres of park lands at this location. With the assistance of a contractor, this project will thin 29 out of the 75 acres currently infested by black locust allowing native vegetation to reclaim these areas.