Crews begin work on Mount Helena's 'windthrown trees' after December storm

After a December storm tore through Montana, contract crews are addressing “windthrown trees” at Mount Helena City Park, the city announced Wednesday.

On Dec. 17, a storm whipped through Montana, with wind gusts peaking up to nearly 100 miles per hour in some places. In Helena, winds gusting up to 91 miles per hour toppled city trees into roads, power lines and buildings.

In the northwestern corner of Mount Helena City Park, wind-damaged trees will be turned into logs. Downed material larger than 6 inches in diameter will be scored and left on the forest floor.

“Log scoring breaks up the phloem layer that bark beetles depend on and accelerates drying, which kills larvae and helps deter further infestation,” the city said in a news release.

Although no trails will be closed, signs have been put up to warn trail users about the active work.