Urban Forestry Division Prepares For Severe Weather In Missoula

Press release from the City of Missoula:

October 23, 2020

The National Weather Service has issued a Winter Storm Warning for the Missoula area through October 24 at noon. Parks and Recreation’s Urban Forestry Division and the City Street Maintenance Division have developed an emergency plan to keep streets and sidewalks clear and safe for the public during and after the storm. Urban Forestry and Street Maintenance crews will be on-call and in the field as the storm develops.

Urban Forestry Specialist Marie Anderson reminds residents that high winds and heavy snow can cause trees to fail, dropping heavy limbs and branches. “Residents should be aware of their environment, and watch for hanging limbs or downed power lines that may be difficult to see lodged in a tree.”

“Never touch anything, including a tree, which is in contact with power lines. Immediately report downed power lines to Northwestern Energy at 888-467-2669 or 911,” Anderson says.

Residents should call 911 to report tree debris blocking streets, sidewalks, and alleys or report property damage resulting from a City tree failure. After checking for power lines, if you can safely pull small branches off the sidewalk or street and onto the boulevard, please do so.

For non-emergency City tree debris removal, complete a Tree Debris Removal Request. City crews will begin removing debris from boulevard trees beginning Monday, October 26. If needed, tree debris drop-off locations will be announced Monday.

Branches and limbs from trees planted on private property are the responsibility of the property owner. Please do not pile debris from private property onto the boulevard.

This press release was produced by the City of Missoula. The views expressed here are the author’s own.