Camper reports $10,000 in RV damage after a dead tree fell; council staff say reported trees will be prioritized

Hoyt Lakes — A camper told the City Council on Oct. 28 that a dead tree fell on their RV in early October, puncturing the awning and causing what the speaker said was in excess of $10,000 in damage.

“In the second week in October … a dead pole tree had fallen down and came on top of my camper punctured through the rug and it was over $10,000 in damage to my camper,” the camper said during public comment, asking who is liable and how the city handles dead trees at the campground.

City staff and the public works director said the usual process is for campers or campground managers to report dead trees to city staff (the transcript referenced a field staffer named Kenny). Crews typically mark trees and perform removals a couple times a year, often in winter when the ground is frozen so equipment can access the site without churning the soil.

Staff acknowledged the challenge of balancing safety and preserving the campground’s tree cover and privacy between campsites. The public works director said crews try to respond when trees are reported and that the city typically cuts down many dead trees each year; staff also noted the city can follow up when a camper provides contact information so staff may investigate and respond within a reasonable time frame.

The camper asked the city to develop a clearer reporting process; staff said they will continue to mark and remove reported dead trees on the established schedule and encouraged residents to report hazards to the campground office so they can be tracked.

The council did not take a formal action at the meeting; staff said they would prioritize reported hazardous trees on the identified Loop and will post reporting guidance in the city office.