In late October, Hurricane Sandy caused massive damage along the East Coast, and in Garrett County, Maryland, more than 30 inches of heavy, wet snow damaged the forest. In this park, more than 3000 hours were spent clearing roads, trails, and campsites of some of the largest trees in Maryland. The hemlock's shallow root system could not hold the weight of the snow, causing trees, some more than 300 years old, to snap and uproot. The woody debris on the forest floor will remain and serve as habitat for many species, and damaged trees will be removed only for visitor safety.