EL PASO, Texas (KTSM) — The New Mexico Forestry Division announced Tuesday, Nov. 12, that help is available to remove fire-damaged trees from areas impacted by last summer’s South Fork and Salt fires.
The Forestry Division is accepting requests from landowners and will pay contractors to conduct site assessments and carry out “post-fire mitigation projects” on private land, it says.
These projects will reduce hazards from dead trees that may fall on houses or roads and help stabilize slopes to help prevent future potential flooding risks, the Forestry Division said.
“We know many people who suffered losses in these devastating fires face the potential of having their properties further damaged by falling tree and eroding soil that can contribute to flooding. We encourage those landowners to request this assistance in mitigating those issues,” said NM Energy, Minerals and Natural Resources Secretary Designate Melanie Kenderdine. Kenderdine’s department includes the Forestry Division.
Requests must come from landowners in Lincoln County within the boundaries of the fires’ burn scars, the Forestry Division said.
Hazard tree assistance will include removing damaged trees within a specific distance from structures and/or roads and driveways. That distance must be less than or equal to twice the tree’s height.
Trees qualifying for removal will have one or more of the following characteristics:
Leaning more than 30 degrees.
Have more than 75% canopy damage for Ponderosa pines or more than 50 percent of canopy damage for other tree species.
Have a split trunk exposing the heartwood.
Have 40% exposed roots.
Properties will be prioritized based on areas facing the greatest risk of erosion, the Forestry Division said.
Project implementation by State Forestry and selected contractors may include:
Hazard tree mitigation: identification and felling of wildfire-damaged trees that pose an immediate threat of falling onto a road, powerline, or other improved property.
Contour felling and log erosion barriers: cutting and securing burned trees on contour lines along slopes to slow runoff and capture sediment.
Ground roughening: ripping or otherwise preparing soils for planting activities.
Seeding: spreading seeds of fast-growing plants to stabilize soil.
Mulching/chipping/mastication: applying organic material like straw or wood to reduce erosion and retain moisture
Small rock dams: constructing low rock barriers across small gullies (narrow channels formed by erosion) to slow water flow and reduce erosion.
For applications and guidelines for assistance, you can click here.
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