What are your priorities  in dealing with the infestation and possible fire danger? 

Identifying those trees that have beetles through a Town funded annual survey of properties within Town boundaries. Once we have identified trees/properties, the Town sends letters to the property owners of beetle trees on their property. Included in the letter is educational information relating to when the beetle typically flies, etc. The Town removes those Town owned trees within our parks and public rights of way. In 2006 we plan to identify those trees in our Parks & rights of way that we feel should be protected from the beetle through preventative spraying. For 06, we plan to step up public educational information through newspaper articles, Web links (such as yours). 

What is the Town of Frisco doing to fight the infestation, protect trees, and inform residents about  your efforts? 

The Council commissioned a Forestry Management Plan for the Peninsula Recreation Area to develop a comprehensive plan that will include direct control (removal), indirect control (thinning for more vigorous growth) & introduction of tree species that are not affected by the Mountain Pine Beetle (diversification). As a result of this Plan, staff will carry those action items to our Town Parks & rights of way. 

What can residents do to protect their property and assist local officials who are working on the problem? 

The single most effective action a property owner can take is become educated as to the problem and the long term affect the Mountain Pine Beetle can inflict on our immediate environment; commit to preventative spraying of those trees that the property owner wishes to protect for their long term enjoyment; and Citizen compliance with Town regulations as they relate to abatement of trees identified in our survey.