2-2-11

Today was an interesting day because it wasn't the typical work we do at the NRCS. Rich picked me up for a drive into the Ben Lomond area for a Cal Fire meeting. Rich had done some work in this area after the big fire in 2008. This meeting had people from the Fire department, PG&E, the RCD, and residents. It was to discuss the Ponderosa Pine in that area and how to handle some of the trees dying after the fire. They were also having a problem with the pine beetle showing up because the area was under stress. The trees showing the highest population of the beetle were the ones still standing but dead, as well as those which had already fallen. The ones that had fallen were also increasing the fuel load which could lead to another fire. There was also a root fungus appearing in the area. Cal Fire's goal was to remove the trees with the beetle to help stop their spread, to remove any excess fuel load, and to help stop the root fungus with a pesticide. They also wanted to create better trails in the park to help with the management.

The residents there were people who had properties bordering the park and were wondering what would be done to remove the damaged trees on their property. The park had to deal with permits from CEQA because they were public land. The residents were unable to get funding to remove the trees on their property in the same way the park would. Thats where the RCD and NRCS could help. The NRCS had a forest plan that they might be able to help fund with federal money. The RCD has grants that might allow them to help but only more than 100 feet from the property. What I learned the most from this meeting is that when a natural disaster occurs, theres a lot of groups involved. Another point that Rich pointed out was how the environmental policy puts up a lot of tape to get things done. While I have always been focused in policy, being the type of person who strongly believes in rule following, it was interesting for me to see the negative side of policy.