Hidden by the tall grass, large, dry logs littered the forest floor. This in combination with the standing dead trees and large stumps increased fire risk within this forest. 

Many of the standing dead trees and stumps were felled and masticated, along with the larger logs on the forest floor. Mastication breaks down woody material, allowing for quicker decomposition and more readily available nutrients. This made the region safer to walk through, with the removal of hazard trees, and helped to decrease ground fuels.