Comments sought on tree removal

The Angora Fire Hazard Tree Removal Project Opportunity for Public Input through Aug 10

South Lake Tahoe CA. The USDA Forest Service, Lake Tahoe Basin
Management Unit is proposing the Angora Fire Hazard Tree Removal Project, and is seeking public comment through August 10. This project would use commercial removal of standing hazard trees and recently felled fire-killed trees in the Angora Fire area on approximately 225 acres that pose risk to human life and property.

For the purpose of this project a hazard tree is generally defined as a tree that is void of needles or is absent of any green foliage and is within striking distance of human life or property. Striking distance is considered to be 1 ½ times the height of a tree due to the potential for airborne limbs. Removal methods may include equipment such as chainsaws,
feller-bunchers, skidders, cut to length harvesters, de-limbers,
masticators, chippers, and de-barkers. Landings may be required to
process the hazard trees.

Hazard tree removal would take place only on Forest Service land and within 150 feet of capital improvements. For this project capital improvements include forest system roads, forest system trails, landline boundaries and other private property structures. Hazard trees within stream environment zones (SEZs) adjacent to capital improvements would also be removed. Not all trees would be removed within 150 feet of capital improvements.
Only hazard trees that are within 1 ½ times striking distance of capital improvements would be removed.

Separate from this proposed action, hazard trees are also being planned for removal on Forest Service Urban lots and parcels (ULM) to provide for immediate public safety.

How to comment and Timeframe

A copy of the project proposed action and map can be obtained from the Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit Supervisors office at 35 College Dr, South Lake Tahoe, CA, 96150. Please provide any comments or concerns by August 10, 2007. Written comments may be submitted via mail (address above), fax, or in person to Duncan Leao; FAX (530) 543-2693; or email comments-pacificsouthwest-ltbmu@fs.fed.us using Subject: Angora Hazard Tree Removal Project. Oral comments may be directed to Duncan Leao at
(530) 543-2660.