Chipper Days have Begun: (April, 16, 2008)

Chipper Days have begun.  The first Chipper Day was well attended at Sulphur Flats on April 12, and the Forest Service has committed to the following additional Chipper Days at Sulphur Flats: April 26th, May 10th, and May 24th.  Additional Chipper Days are likely.  Click here for more information.

The Sulphur Flats Staging Area is located on forest service property just off State Highway 4 across from the mail boxes for Rancho de La Cueva on the interior of the State Highway 4’s curve at about mile marker 27.

Several new Documents of Possible Interest: (April, 16, 2008)

1)  Final Grant Report of Greater Easter Jemez Wildland Urban Interface Corporation

This report to the State of New Mexico details our progress during 2007 (.pdf).

2)  2008 Fire Operations Key Points

As fire seasons lengthen and generally become more challenging, the standard messages to the public and news media are becoming less realistic. For years, messages have centered on slight variations of several basic themes: We have enough equipment and personnel; we will protect your home if it is threatened; and we will fight all fires aggressively. But the nature of fire season is changing, and given budget realities, it is time to alter public expectations and increase public education regarding what the wildland fire community can and cannot do (.pdf).

Bark Beetle FAQ's:

Bark Beetles are a dangerous and persistent pest even if you cut down all infected trees, and thin your lot.  The slash and "firewood" that is left must be treated with great care!  For information about this important issue see our new Bark Beetles page.

Pine Needle Facts:

You may ask: What good are those pesky pine needles, anyway?

On the forest floor, pine needles naturally interlock, forming a mat.  This duff mat slows water flow and protects bare ground from wind, offering enhanced erosion control and more time for water to filter into soil during rainstorms.  A layer of pine needles also acts as natural mulch, holding soil moisture longer and keeping weed growth down. 

In a pine forest, plant nutrient recycling starts with the needles on the forest floor.  In the arid southwest, this can be a slow process as moisture drives decomposition.  Without frequent, low intensity fires, pine needles can accumulate. 

 So how much pine duff is too much?

• Any piles of needles greater than thirty-six inches high within ten feet of buildings.

• Any layers of pine needles greater than four inches deep within two feet of buildings.

Remember that pine needles are not the major vegetation fire danger problem in defensible space.  Dense unhealthy trees, wood piles too close to structures, and ladder fuels are worse problems.

How should you dispose of pine needles if there really is too much duff?

• Your best choice is composting on site away from structures.

• Another choice is to burn them in a safe permitted manner.

Large volumes of pine needles will clog a chipper and may contain rocks that will damage blades.  So chipping is not a good option.  Large volumes of green waste, including truckloads of pine needles may not be accepted at transfer stations or landfills.

How to Become a Tax-Exempt 501(c)(3) Non-Profit Organization:

GEJWUIC's president (Ann Cooke) details her anecdotal experiences and lessons learned while working through the process to become a non-profit, tax-exempt corporation as a result of being awarded a state grant and the need to manage that and donated monies.  Ann wrote this article for the Firewise organization; it appeared in their December 2004 newsletter.  Her fascinating description is a must read for others interested in forming their own Tax-Exempt 501(c)(3) Non-Profit Organization, and will give the reader a new appreciation for volunteer work.   For full information, see our "How to Become a Tax-Exempt 501(c)(3) Non-Profit Organization" page.  This document is also available on our "Documents" page in .pdf file format.