April 15, 2009
In mid-January 2009, an MRC forestry crew "drove home the golden spike," signaling completion of the Telegraph Ridge Shaded Fuel Break. Running the entire length of Ettersburg Road, the project encompassed 5.8 miles and approximately 74 acres. Along with completed shaded fuel breaks on Wilder Ridge, Prosper Ridge and Panther Gap, this represents a major accomplishment towards the goal of creating a regionally-strategic network of fuel breaks. Funded through the National Fire Plan, these projects complement well work done through the MRC's popular Fire Safe Forests and Homes program, which has created defensible space from wildfire around homes as well as shaded fuel breaks along associated access roads.
In truth, calling the treatments implemented by this crew "fuel breaks" is inadequate to fully describe the range of benefits accrued. "Forest health enhancement" more fully characterizes the essence of the prescriptions, which include thinning, limbing and brush removal. Species diversity and relative abundance, structure and age class distribution, Sudden Oak Death and other infestation mitigation, ecological and wildlife considerations, timber stand improvement, traffic visibility and general aesthetics are all addressed and balanced, modified by the goals and values of each individual landowner--and always with a mind for minimizing maintenance needs and soil erosion.
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"Care packages" were sometimes delivered for the crew. One resident became known as "Mom" for the nature and quality of her contributions and the spirit in which they were given. And it was particularly fitting that the "golden spike" was toasted with a locally-produced champagne donated by one of the residents on New Year's Eve.
Grant applications for more projects of this nature are in the pipeline now as the Mattole Restoration Council, working in collaboration with the local Fire Safe Councils, does its share to continue to help build the infrastructure to balance ecology, sustainable economy, and fire safety in our home forests.
For more information: www.mattole.org
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TOC for Forest & River News, Spring 2009