Skiers, snowmobilers warned of falling, dead trees
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Updated: 12:07 PM Dec 22, 2009
Skiers, snowmobilers warned of falling, dead trees
The U.S. Forest Service is warning backcountry skiers, snowmobilers and others out in the mountains to watch out for beetle-killed trees toppling over.
Posted: 12:07 PM Dec 22, 2009
Reporter: Associated Press
Email Address: tips@nbc11news.com
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DENVER (AP) - The U.S. Forest Service is warning backcountry skiers, snowmobilers and others out in the mountains to watch out for beetle-killed trees toppling over.

The Forest Service has temporarily closed some campgrounds and cut trees as bark beetles have wiped out more than 2.5 million acres of pines in central Colorado and southeastern Wyoming. The agency is worried about dead trees falling on power lines, roads and trails or tumbling down during wind storms.

The Forest Service is getting an additional $40 million to address the beetle epidemic and help clear dead trees.

Dead trees appear red or have no needles. The tiny beetles burrow under the bark of pine trees, lay their eggs and feed on the tree.
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