I just wanted to post a few pics of the latest hazardous fuels work done by the Prescott national Forest Service.
(double click the image with your mouse to enlarge the photo)
Over the past few weeks the PNF has been working to “brush” the Spence Springs or what many know as the (Emmanuel Pines) area.
After the “decimation” of much of the Granite Basin area there was alot of concern that the PNF would continue on and possibly make the “pines” area look like what happened in the Granite Basin area..Thankfully that didn’t happen.
The PNF was more than willing to meet with and listen to local trail users and curbed some of the intensity of the brushing to leave a distinction between the existing trails and the brushing .
Mitigation is very much needed in this area to prevent an un-contained fire problem. All agree confidently on that point and fire retardant needs to be able to hit the ground from the air if needed.
Our concern was “overbrushing” and making the trails in the pines not usable and a mess for a long period of time.
Long story short. THUMBS UP TO THE PNF for giving an ear to some of the locals and preserving much of the Spence Springs area while at the same time doing the needed hazardous fuels work on the 598 acres section of forest.
Below are some of the “after brushing” pics of the area of concern.
The brushing crew in our estimation, toned down the negative impact on the trail use areas and left a margin of distinction between the trail and the brushing area.
The mosaic the forest service desired to see was accomplish and at the same time the forest seems have its beauty preserved thanks to all involved.
I have spoken with approximately 75 people over the last two weeks who use this area and the comments made have all been positive regarding the brushing in the Spence Springs area.
Just a little communication and consideration made the difference.
Thank you PNF, local trail users and others who made a 598 acre difference in our community.
Steve
PNF trail user
stevelummer.com 