LAKE COUNTY, Calif. – Cal Fire reported that it has initiated pile burning operations for removal of hazardous vegetation on the Boggs Mountain Demonstration State Forest and will continue to do so throughout the winter of 2019.
The hazardous vegetation is a result of the Valley fire and bark beetle mortality.
Over the past three years the forest management staff have been salvage logging to remove these standing dead trees and brush in preparation for replanting.
As a result of this treatment there are hundreds of residual slash piles that must be disposed of.
Disposal of this material is not feasible by other means due to the volume of the material, number of piles, access issues, and time frame of which it must be disposed of, Cal Fire said.
“It is the goal of the department to restore the forest to a condition that is safe for public access. Allowing wood cutting, trail access, and camping is an important part of having this public land in Lake County,” said Cal Fire Sonoma Lake Napa Unit Chief Shana Jones.
While the forest has been open to the public for day use since July, there are still many hazards present on the forest that must be mitigated. Officials said pile burning operations are a key component of this work.
State forest personnel will conduct the pile burns throughout the winter on permissive burn days. A large scale smoke management plan has been completed in coordination with the Sacramento Air Resources Board and the Lake County Air Quality Management District. Department staff will follow the same rules and regulations that apply to the public.
Cal Fire reminded the public that the Boggs Mountain Demonstration State Forest is open for day use only and is subject to temporary closures due to hazardous conditions at the forest managers discretion per state law.
Cal Fire begins winter pile burning at Boggs Mountain Demonstration State Forest
- Lake County News reports
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