Safety is a key component of all Pack Stock Center of Excellence activities. The Center facilitates a culture of safety relative to pack stock use and horsemanship by providing technical expertise, leadership and guidance including:

• A Job Hazard Analysis (JHA) template for stock use and handling for the Region
• Coordination with equestrian partner organizations and volunteers
• Training for agency staff and partners on safe use of pack stock, riding animals and primitive tools
• Recommendations for safety equipment and tack

Watch Out for Falling Trees

An Ongoing Alert for heightened danger from falling dead trees remains in effect in many areas of the National Forests. Over 100 million trees killed or weakened by drought and bark beetles remain a falling hazard.

Please be cautious when visiting National Forests, especially in the southern and central Sierra Nevada, where mortality has been highest.

Be vigilant of possible hazards and remember the Watch Out tips. Trees can fall anywhere at any time.

When planning a trip to the National Forest, please contact the local office for more information on areas of heightened danger from tree mortality. Thank you and have a safe and fun visit to the National Forests.