Eagle County has a serious pine beetle problem

Eagle County Commissioner Peter Runyon reported that Eagle County has a serious pine beetle problem and is eager to find solutions.  The county commissioners are assessing end uses for the wood to make the removal and transportation of beetle kill lumber less of a financial burden. Among the solutions possible are biomass facilities, wood pellet manufacturing, and the Gypsum wallboard factory.

Peter would like to see legislation introduced that encourages businesses to develop additional markets for beetle kill lumber, such as tax incentives for companies that use blue stained wood for structural timber and low cost loans for companies to purchase trucks to help with log transport.

Vail Resorts has been reluctant in removing affected trees due to its cost and a sense that doing so would not affect the spread of pine beetles in forests under lease.

While he sees the value of long term stewardship contracts with the Forest Service, he does not want to place Eagle County in the position of managing such contracts.

The Town of Vail is most concerned about effects on ski visits and tourism.  Their leaders are frustrated that that the Forest Service  is charging a fee reflecting the potential commercial value of each tree removed.

The first-term commissioner believes that the single most important thing in the short term is to educate the public about the situation and make recommendations about how they can preserve or dispose of their own trees.

Courtney Staatz reported Senator Allard recently had a meeting with Undersecretary of Agriculture Mark Rey about more funding for local districts of the  Forest Service. Although one million dollars may be available this year, the Senator felt that this was not sufficient for our current needs. She advised Summit County communicate with policymakers that we are working well together and assure them appropriated funds would be judiciously spent. She suggested a letter writing campaign by organizations and individuals. 

Trudy Kareus,  I-70 corridor regional director for Senator Ken Salazar reaffirmed that the lack of funding for pine beetle initiatives was due to budgetary constraints. The Colorado Congressional delegation, however, is demonstrating a unified stand in advocating the need for immediate appropriations.

Mike Harvey of the Colorado State Forrest Service remarked that some ten years ago we pushed the forest industry out. Now we need their help to sustain healthy forests. We have a common cause in forest health and responsible use of our resources.

Carl Spaulding, president of the Colorado Timber Industry Association, noted the presence of small family owned saw mill operations eager for business. He stressed that we need to manage our “garden” well.  We want forests to exist in perpetuity.  Land costs may too expensive here to site a new mill, but if we could manage to support one that would provide wood products for housing as well as by products to fuel biomass generators. Since beetle kill is just a slow moving forest fire, we should keep the public involved in crafting a long term solution.

A wide ranging discussion followed about short term solutions, long term sustainability of forest lands, the role that the forest products industry could play for the long term, uses for beetle killed timber and ways to engage state and federal lawmakers.

Peter Runyon reiterated that education is essential so that the public better understands the relationship between timber harvesting and forest health.

Clear cutting, a practice discouraged in the 70s and 80s, spared many of the trees that are now dying. Areas in the county  clear cut at that time now boast healthy young trees.

Dillon District Ranger Rick Newton reported that USFS is working with the Summit County Fire Council in reviewing proposals for pine beetle treatments on private and public land – mostly county commons area.  Another initiative is a fuels treatment project in the Farmers Korner area. He anticipates keen interest from homeowners and homeowner associations on fire mitigation efforts on their properties.

Patti Maguire added that applications are being accepted for fire mitigation project support.

Long range planning and commitment are needed to create opportunities for new business that can help with the removal of infested trees, and make use of the resource.

Andy Meadows of Rockwell Creek Land Services described the capabilities of a Vicon mower to mulch up trees, and manicure forest surface thus allowing quicker plant and tree recovery.

Matt Dayton explained the benefits of the Round Tec log lathe that can mill small diameter logs.. The lathe, which requires a small space to operate, may be run by one person. Smaller logs can be processed to build construction sheds and other utility buildings.  His father, Gene, has purchased two units and is looking for a place to locate them. One possible site is the county landfill.

Rick Newton observed that to refer to areas where beetle kill trees have been removed as a “moonscape.”  One third of our trees are lodgepole.   If we are able to treat a fraction of these tree, the result would a significant we treat 10% of this county it would be huge, concentrating on the urban wildland interface.   Newton said this natural cycle will produce a new generation of lodgepole pine, a tree species best suited for our altitude and climate.  We have an opportunity and responsibility to preserve mature lodgepole in areas where it is appropriate.

Most agreed that our greatest concern is wildfire and the resulting damage to watershed.

Sandy reported that the Task Force’s 16 page supplement in the Summit daily News will be published 0n April 28th.  It will feature articles describing the scope of the infestation, what home and property owners can do, fire mitigation  and the future of the landscape.  The supplement will have the support of 22 tree and landscape services that  have purchased a combined four pages of advertising.