Hi everyone,
We are all aware of the forest thinning project which has been going on along
our northern border. Many of us have been alarmed by the amount of slash which
has been left on the ground up there.
Today, Carl Dillistone, Jane Wardlaw and I met with the Acting District Ranger
of the Carson National Forest up at the top of Duval Road to discuss the
situation with the slash on the ground. It was a very productive meeting; she
(the Acting District Ranger) brought with her several members of the National
Forest Service fire suppression crews who are expert in remediating fire
danger. The Forest Service is fully aware of the situation with the slash on
the ground up there, they do see it as a risk that needs to be dealt with, and
they are putting together a plan to remove it. However, even with the slash
currently on the ground, the fire danger has been reduced by the thinning which
has been done.
There are several methods used to remediate this kind of slash, but the best is
to burn it. Not only is this the only remedy that completely removes it, but
it’s good for the forest. This is what they are planning to do, but this will
probably not take place until next fall at the earliest.
This is a multi-year project. Thinning will continue along the northern border
of Turley Mill, and in the spring, the project will include the western border
of Turley Mill, continuing to reduce our risk from forest fires. The Forest
Service will keep us informed about their plans, and I will be sure to pass
them on to you.
Cheers,
Steve Hanks
