Angora Burn area closures in Dec. 08

ANGORA HAZARD TREE REMOVAL BEGINS, CLOSURES IN EFFECT

The Forest Service will begin work on the Angora Hazard Tree Removal Project as early as next Monday, Dec. 1, 2008. The contract to perform hazard tree removal was awarded to Smith Crane and Rigging Inc. The project involves removing hazard trees that are within striking distance of National Forest System managed roads and trails.

Forest Supervisor Terri Marceron has issued forest orders to temporarily close public access to the areas where the contractor is working, due to public safety concerns. As the contractor completes work in an area, the Forest Service will reopen it to public access. The contractor will begin working along Angora Ridge Road and Forest Road 12N31 near Tahoe Mountain Road. Closures will be in effect Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. until 6 p.m., beginning December 1 and ending December 31, 2008.

The total project area encompasses about 256 acres of highly used roads and trails within the 3,100 acre Angora Fire area. Approximately one hundred sixty seven acres will be treated through a combination of mechanical removal and hand felling of hazard trees, and the remaining 89 acres will be treated through hand felling and monitoring tree mortality for future removal.

Hazard trees removed will primarily be utilized as biomass but sawlogs and fuelwood may be available. Some trees will be left in place to provide habitat for wildlife. The project includes extensive measures to protect water quality, particularly in stream environment zones, as well as sensitive wildlife habitat.

The Decision Memo for this project is available at http://www.fs.fed.us/r5/ltbmu/projects/. Specifics of forest closure orders will be posted on the web site.