Forest Service Response
Starting in the summer of 2012, the USFS will start work on logging, thinning,
and treatment of the forest around Silver City for the purposes of controlling
the Pine Beetle epidemic that is affecting our area.
The Pactola Project DEIS will have a large impact due to its disruption to the
landscape in the coming years as well as the potential effect it could have on
the Pine Beetle infestation and the fire management.
November 17, 2011 - Final
Environmental Impact Statement
issued. Project will begin in the
Spring of 2012. First contract area
will be north of Silver City and up to
the Rochford Road.
Maps
Starting in the summer of 2012, the USFS will start work on logging, thinning,
and treatment of the forest around Silver City for the purposes of controlling
the Pine Beetle epidemic that is affecting our area.
The Pactola Project DEIS will have a large impact due to its disruption to the
landscape in the coming years as well as the potential effect it could have on
the Pine Beetle infestation and the fire management.
November 17, 2011 - Final
Environmental Impact Statement
issued. Project will begin in the
Spring of 2012. First contract area
will be north of Silver City and up to
the Rochford Road.
Maps
Pine Beetle
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Picture Gallery:
August 24, 2010 - Bob Thompson answering questions regarding Pactola Project
August 24, 2010 - Public Meeting regarding Pactola Project| Funds available from the department towards thinning on forest service lands around private property. Deadline June 2013. |
June 2011 - Silver Peak infestation
September 2011 - Silver Peak infestationSCVFD Response
During the general membership meeting held on
November 2011, the membership approved a plan to work
with the USFS to create a 300 foot buffer around homes in
the fire district. The buffer will have the dual purpose of
creating a fire break and buffer zone against the spread of
the Pine Beetle onto private lands. The membership voted
on setting aside $20,000 from reserves towards this
purpose.
Homeowners are encouraged to contact the department
for information on the program and for assistance in
finding contractors.
Homeowners' Response
The communities of Silver City, Rochford Road, and
Sunnyside have all taken an active role in removing
infested trees.
In January 2012, Silver CIty contracted with Copper
Mountain Logging to remove 90 infested trees with the
town boundaries. The SCVFD helped coordinate the
project and the affected homeowner's incurred the
expense.
During the general membership meeting held on
November 2011, the membership approved a plan to work
with the USFS to create a 300 foot buffer around homes in
the fire district. The buffer will have the dual purpose of
creating a fire break and buffer zone against the spread of
the Pine Beetle onto private lands. The membership voted
on setting aside $20,000 from reserves towards this
purpose.
Homeowners are encouraged to contact the department
for information on the program and for assistance in
finding contractors.
Homeowners' Response
The communities of Silver City, Rochford Road, and
Sunnyside have all taken an active role in removing
infested trees.
In January 2012, Silver CIty contracted with Copper
Mountain Logging to remove 90 infested trees with the
town boundaries. The SCVFD helped coordinate the
project and the affected homeowner's incurred the
expense.
Fire Break area covering 22 acres. 16 of those acres will be "park-like" while remaining 6 acres will be commercially logged.
Western Pennington County Fire DistrictsFebruary 9, 2012 - Logging and thinning has started on a 22 acre buffer
around Silver City. This follows an agreement between the USFS and
the SCVFD to create a fire break buffer on Forest Service land along the
boundaries of Silver City. Custom Timber, a logging company, has been
hired to do the work. The project calls for a 300 foot buffer to act as a
fire break in the event of a catastrophic fire as well as a pine beetle
break in an attempt to prevent pine beetles to fly and infest trees
within Silver City.
Within the 300 foot buffer, not all trees will be removed. Some large
trees will be left with a minimum spacing of 40 feet between trees.
Additionally, all debris and small trees will be thinned and piled for later
burning.
This constitutes the first time that the forest service joins forces with a
private community to address the pine beetle problem. Please check
back for more information and pictures.
around Silver City. This follows an agreement between the USFS and
the SCVFD to create a fire break buffer on Forest Service land along the
boundaries of Silver City. Custom Timber, a logging company, has been
hired to do the work. The project calls for a 300 foot buffer to act as a
fire break in the event of a catastrophic fire as well as a pine beetle
break in an attempt to prevent pine beetles to fly and infest trees
within Silver City.
Within the 300 foot buffer, not all trees will be removed. Some large
trees will be left with a minimum spacing of 40 feet between trees.
Additionally, all debris and small trees will be thinned and piled for later
burning.
This constitutes the first time that the forest service joins forces with a
private community to address the pine beetle problem. Please check
back for more information and pictures.
February 2012 - Landing on nugget gulch, east of town