New fuel reduction project with helicopter work to start in Wrightwood

[Wrightwood]

Too bad locals can't receive the wood for fireplaces and wood stoves.

There has been tons of free/cheap firewood available during the past couple of years and I suspect there will tons more.

[Toolman]

Too bad locals can't receive the wood for fireplaces and wood stoves.

There has been tons of free/cheap firewood available during the past couple of years and I suspect there will tons more.

 That's correct... check the ANF website for postings http://www.fs.fed.us/r5/angeles/  and stop by the Big Pines information center for information. The trees that are cleared are stored at the "Skating Rink" area on Big Pine Hwy. I'm not saying this fuel reduction project will store the trees there, I'm only suggesting other trees have been made available for public personal consumption in the past, usually in the fall.

  A cut permit is required for that pile of wood is required. $25.00 - 35.00 per cord is cheap.

 http://www.fs.fed.us/r5/angeles/passes/permits-woodcutting.shtml

 The website fails to list Big Pines Information Center as a source for cut permits. (760) 249-3504

[lagomorphmom]

  A cut permit is required for that pile of wood is required. $25.00 - 35.00 per cord is cheap.

 http://www.fs.fed.us/r5/angeles/passes/permits-woodcutting.shtml

 The website fails to list Big Pines Information Center as a source for cut permits. (760) 249-3504

And don't forget you need to call to see if/when/how you can use a chain saw depending on the weather conditions.

[cedar]

I have heard a number of times about sparks from equipment used in reducing fire danger causing fires.  This summer a fire started over night in an area being made safe for fires, fortunately it only burned an acre.  Is this really a good time for logging? 

Does anyone know the provisions for saving some dead standing trees for wildlife?

[Wrightwood]

[storm]

I see the Coast Horned Lizard occasionally in the hills above the Country Club.  Saw one this morning at the base of the Heath Creek Slide as well.

I've never understood how folks consider "wildlife use trees such as acorn woodpecker acorn storage tress and trees with nest holes" as public safety issues.  Has there ever been a documented case in the entire world of a dead tree actually falling on a passerby? 

Does anyone have the list of sensitive and watchlist plants for this area?  Thank you!

[Wrightwood]

storm there was an incident of a tree that fell on a vehicle and killed people near Table Mountain a few years back. Don't know if it was a full tree or branch that fell but I'm sure others will remember the details.

I'll see if I have the sensitive and watch list for plants as I believe it's listed in the fuel reduction prescriptions.

[Wrightwood]

storm
Look at the following Appendix A and start on page 29:

http://www.fs.fed.us/psw/publications/documents/gtr-172/gtr-172-reference.pdf

Here's the full 400 page document that will give you plenty of tent reading material 

Southern California Mountains and Foothills Assessment: Habitat and Species Conservation Issues

http://www.fs.fed.us/psw/publications/documents/gtr-172/

[Wildman]

I have attended the funeral of a local man killed on his first fire season with CDF by a falling tree limb in a wind storm miles from the fire line.  Like those on the Table Mountain road, he was in a van.  Another trail worker killed on the Sequoia by a widowmaker in a wind storm.  It does happen.

[storm]

Thanks John!

I guess I didn't see the forest for the trees branches for the trunk...forgot about widowmakers.

[Toolman]

The latest edition of the SOPA report indicates the Wrightwood fuel reduction project will not implement until May of '08.

 Hopefully this is not the case and it is a "projected" implementaion date. 


http://www.fs.fed.us/sopa/components/reports/sopa-110501-2007-07.html

[clint]

Different project than this topic is about. That's the USFS project. The project addressed on this topic is a San Bernardino County Fire/NRCS project on private land that ajoins the USFS project.

[Wrightwood]

Learn about increased helicopter activity in Wrightwood:

See:
http://www.wrightwoodcalif.com/forum/index.php/topic,9657.0.html

[TeleNut]

Hi all, Upon hiking Acorn trail last night I observed 10 to 15 trees intentionally pushed or cut down to block Acorn trail. My wife observed two trucks in the area and heard definite chain saw activity on Monday (11/19/07) and I am hope anyone who has further information will contact police. There was a white truck and a red (possibly Toyota ) truck involved.

[Wrightwood]

TeleNut the contractor has started on the Maria Stella/Wrightwood Fuel modification project and that includes the area you are talking about.

Those tress being cut down will be flown out by helicopter.

[TeleNut]

Thanks for all the info. It could possibly be the fuel reduction on private land. There were no downed trees after crossing into national forrest land. I hope the tree removal is completed soon, Acorn trail is a mess!

[Mikeswave]

Any chance any of the wood be acquired for the use as fire wood? I can allways use some.

[pinetrees]

What is helicopter logging?  How long does it go on and why is it done?

[Wrightwood]

pintrees read the first few postings in this topic and you should get an idea on what's going on.

I'm not sure if firewood will be available from this project or not. I'll ask

[ChattyCathy]

What an awesome sight!  I can watch the helicopter out my window, and from the street I can see the men on the ground.  I wish I had a good camera.  The red helicopter against the blue sky is unbelievable!