NM Forestry Division offers hazard tree assistance
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Contact: George Ducker
Communications Coordinator
george.ducker@emnrd.nm.gov
505-699-0601
July 15, 2024
State Forestry Division offers hazard tree assistance
Landowners affected by Hermit’s Peak Calf Canyon fires may apply
SANTA FE – The New Mexico Energy, Minerals and Natural Resources Department’s Forestry Division is working with the USDA Forest Service to help mitigate potential hazards from trees that could damage roads, structures, or powerlines on private lands within the Hermit’s Peak Calf Canyon fire area.
"Our priority is to ensure the safety of residents and infrastructure by mitigating the risks posed by hazard trees within the Hermit’s Peak Calf Canyon fire area," said State Forester Laura McCarthy . "We encourage landowners to take advantage of this assistance to ensure the safety and resilience of their properties."
Many trees killed or damaged by the 2022 fire remain standing close to roads, powerlines, and other public and private infrastructure. As time passes, the threat of falling trees poses an increasing risk. The Forestry Division is now accepting requests for hazardous tree mitigation assistance in these areas. Contractors will be hired for these projects.
Applications for assistance will be evaluated based on the following criteria:
The property must be located in Mora or San Miguel County within the Hermits Peak Calf Canyon burn scar .
Hazard trees on the property must exist within two tree heights of roads, powerlines, and/or structures. Hazard trees include disaster-damaged trees that:
Are leaning more than 30 degrees from vertical.
Have more than 50% of the canopy damaged.
Have split trunk exposing the heartwood.
Have 40% exposed roots.
Properties in close proximity or adjacent to other landowners who have requested assistance will receive priority.
Landowners can apply for assistance online or by contacting the Forestry Division’s Las Vegas District Office at: 505-425-7472. After applying, the steps in the process are as follows:
The Forestry Division will review the landowner’s request and verify eligibility.
A contractor will contact the landowner to schedule a site visit and develop a map indicating which trees are eligible for removal, how slash (tree residue) will be treated, and where logs will be placed or chipped on the landowner’s property. No slash or logs shall be removed from landowner properties as a part of this project.
The contractor will submit the plan to the Forestry Division for approval.
The Forestry Division will review the plan and work with the contractor on any necessary revisions.
The Forestry Division will issue a notice to proceed to the contractor for approved plans.
Work can begin on the property in accordance with approved plans.
Link to this press release available here .
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The Energy, Minerals and Natural Resources Department provides resource protection and renewable energy resource development services to the public and other state agencies.
https://www.emnrd.nm.gov