The King County Water and Land Resources Division, in coordination with the King County Sheriffs Office, is planning to relocate several trees that have created dangerous conditions on the Middle Fork of the Snoqualmie River near North Bend.

Heavy stream bank erosion along this stretch of river has caused several trees to fall into the river, which is a popular recreation spot.

The trees span the swiftest portion of the river, creating a dangerous situation in which swimmers, rafters and others could be swept into the limbs or trapped under them. This portion of the river will remain closed to all recreational use as long as dangerous conditions persist.

An experienced helicopter logging contractor using a heavy lift Chinook helicopter will pick up and reposition each tree out of the main river channel to alongside the stream bank. The work is intended to improve river safety and help curb the erosion that caused the trees to topple into the river.

The relocation effort is expected to begin at approximately 1 p.m. Thursday, June 4, however the timing is highly variable. The schedule could change depending upon helicopter availability.