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The Helena National Forest Service has contracted the logging of the Old Lincoln Townsite and Cemetery.

Even in the winter, crews are removing hazardous trees, while also saving taxpayers money.

Unlike traditional timber sale contracts, the removal of beetle killed trees is critical. These hazardous tree removal projects can be dangerous especially when the winds blows.

"There's some ponderosa in there, but most of it is the lodgepole pine. It's just unfortunate that we had the beetle for so long. So it's just a safety feature that we have to take on," Helena National Forest Service contracting officer Rick Henningson says.

Henningson says it's critical to not only remove the trees but also preserve the historic nature of the the old Lincoln townsite. The original mining town was established in 1865 after the discovery of placer gold.

Its cemetery still sits atop a hill, along with other historic remnants and artifacts.

"Back in here there's all kinds of foundations of homes and there was a post office in this clearing. So it's those kinds of things we are trying to protect," Helena National Forest Archaeologist Kyle McGuire says.

In order to preserve the historic value of the property, the Helena National Forest contracted the services of Barry Smith, who has been in the timber industry for 30 years.

Smith owns and operates one of two special "long-reaching " pieces of tree removal equipment.

"We had this machine built about 4 1/2 years ago I guess. The boom was built by Jewel. It's a 70 foot reach. We've been removing hazard trees on both sides of the roads," Smith explains.

With a crew of about 12 people using the latest modern logging equipment, the project is expected to take about two weeks to complete.

After they are fell, stacked, skidded, and decked they are ready to be hauled off to market.

An estimated quarter million feet of former bug infested timber or about 50 truckloads will be removed off the historic site. The material is then hauled to Deer lodge or Missoula.

"The logs are not worth very much, but they do cover the cost of the projects," said Smith.

The Forest Service doesn't have to pay Smith. In return for his work, Smith gets to keep the logs.

The Helena National Forest has about 400 miles of roadside projects that will be contracted for harvest in 2012.