TREATMENT DESCRIPTION & EXTENT:
Pre-commercial thinning & fuels reduction on approximately 24 total acres within the conservation area. Two treatment units are involved: 1) approximately 0.75 acres will be treated around the south side of the residential area and 2) approximately 23 acres will be treated in the southwestern portion of the property. The treatment areas consist of moderate to heavily stocked (1,000 – 2,000 trees per acre) stands of ponderosa pine and Douglas-fir saplings with a prominent overstory of mature Ponderosa pine timber. This dense understory poses a severe fire risk, acting as a continuous source of ladder fuels to the overstory. This is particularly concerning due to the property’s location in a heavily populated subdivision.
TREATMENT METHOD:
This treatment will be performed through manual thinning with chainsaws. Activity slash will be fed through a wood chipper and broadcasted onto the forest floor.
PROJECT GOALS:
The intent of this project is to reduce fire risk within the property and increase stand health – particularly to the overstory component.
TIMELINE:
May 1st - June 30th, 2019.