A state campground in Denali State Park and another in Nancy Lake State Recreation area have been closed to the public due to health and safety concerns resulting from spruce bark beetle infestations.

According to a release from the Department of Natural Resources Tuesday, the Byers Lake Campground in Denali and the South Rolly Campground at Nancy Lake will remain closed throughout much of the summer and possibly into 2020.

Alaska State Parks says the agency is working to mitigate what it calls "significant hazards posed by beetle-infested trees."

The Department of Natural Resources is seeking federal funds for mitigation efforts, with plans to contract with private businesses to remove the infested trees at 100 campsites in the two different campgrounds.

“These trees represent a significant safety issue for campers and visitors,” Alaska State Parks Director Ricky Gease said in the release. “We have been (experiencing) a number of rotten trees falling over in the campgrounds this season, and while the timing is unfortunate, we need to take action now to reduce this hazard and help make our parks safer.”

DNR says tree removal and chipping efforts are most effective during colder weather conditions.

Until the work is complete, the following campgrounds and trails are closed to the public:

Denali State Park

· Byers Lake Campground*

· Byers Lake Trail

· Cascade Trail

*

Byers Lake public use cabins remain open, but access to them is restricted. Visit alaskastateparks.org for details

.

Nancy Lake State Recreation Area

· South Rolly Lake Campground*

*

Parking is restricted to trailhead access only, and public use cabins are still available

.

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