on august 23, 2004, the entire trail was closed so that remaining hazard trees could be removed. extra measures were taken during the removal to protect the giant sequoias and local wildlife. sequoia national forest personnel felled the hazard trees and removed debris that could increase fire danger. some logs were left to provide ecological benefits, some were chipped, and over 300 cords (over 1,087 cubic meters) of wood were made available to the public purchasing personal use firewood permits. some limbs were piled and burned by fire crews. a helicopter was hired under contract to fly out some of the largest pieces of wood. on july 1, 2005, the trail reopened after it was repaired and rehabilitated.