South Lake Tahoe, Calif.–On Monday, January 9, 2012, the U.S. Forest Service Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit will begin aspen restoration work near the Pope/Baldwin Bike Path adjacent to Hwy 89 North.
A Forest Service contractor will use mechanical equipment to remove conifers (pine and fir trees) from aspen stands. Most material will be hauled away. Some limbs may be piled outside the aspen stands and burned at a later date. The project area totals approximately 4.6 acres between Taylor Creek and Spring Creek Rd.
Work will begin in two locations across the highway from Spring Creek Rd. The work in these sections is expected to last through January 11, 2012. Operations will then move to the area west of Taylor Creek near the pump house. The entire project is expected to last approximately ten days.
Since the project involves use of heavy equipment and the felling of trees, access to the bike path on Hwy 89 may temporarily be restricted. The area where the contractor is actively working will be clearly marked.
Aspen stands need abundant sunshine to thrive. Shade tolerant conifers threaten aspen communities by overtaking the stands, competing for water, sunlight and nutrients. Removing the encroaching conifers will improve aspen stand health, which will provide important habitat for plants and wildlife. Once treated, aspen stands often act as natural firebreaks.
