Dongjak-gu Removes 600 Tons of Woody Debris Fueling Wildfires

Dongjak-gu, Seoul (Mayor Park Il-ha) is accelerating the removal process of fallen tree debris and other timber stockpiles to ensure user safety.

The district announced on the 9th that from this month until June, removal work will be carried out targeting three forested areas including Seodalsan and the mountainous park Gogu-dongsan. Approximately 600 tons of forest byproducts, indiscriminately piled around hiking trails such as fallen trees, will be transported outside for collection.

District Mayor Park Il-ha is loading a fallen tree onto a truck during the comprehensive maintenance event at Kkachisan Park on the 24th of last month. Provided by Dongjak-gu.

According to the district, timber stockpiles can spoil the forest landscape and directly threaten the safety of residents during disasters. Since they can serve as fuel during forest fires or cause secondary disaster damage due to washouts from heavy rains, the district plans to speed up the removal work.

First, trees along roads accessible by large trucks will be collected using vehicles, while trees along hiking trails will be removed by manpower. Trees in the forest that cannot be removed will be gathered in flat areas within the forest to create a 'microhabitat ecological space' or treated using the 'hugelkultur' method (an eco-friendly soil management technique involving covering piled wood with soil).

Mayor Park Il-ha said, "We will promptly collect fallen trees scattered throughout to ensure the passage and safety of spring visitors," adding, "We will do our best to handle the stockpiles so that residents can comfortably enjoy parks and forests."