- 1. Why is there a Slash-Mulch Program?
Wildfire mitigation. So much tree debris exists in the Black Forest that a lightning strike could cause a very hot fire. The program is an effort to help residents get the debris cleaned up.
- 2. Who owns the land at the Slash-Mulch site?
You do. The site is located on State lands which are owned by Colorado taxpayers and under the trusteeship of the State Board of Land Commissioners. In 1876, when Colorado was made a state, two sections (each 640 acres) of each township throughout the new state were reserved for the support of the public schools. These sections, generally 16 and 36, were to be used as the trustees saw fit, to raise money to be apportioned to public schools. At that time these funds were enough to support all the public schools in Colorado. As of 1999, the funds gained from school lands provide only about one percent of funds needed for public schools. The public has expressed the opinion that many of these lands can be used for recreation, open space, and community endeavors such as the Slash-Mulch Program, rather than be sold for development. The Trustees have agreed and are converting some lands to this kind of use. Section 16 in the Black Forest falls into this category.
The land is not available to the public as a piece of private land (see the 2014 Forestry Information Guide).
- 3 How much does it cost to run the Slash-Mulch Program?
Site expenses, which are paid from your donations, range from $200 in 1994 to more than $1500 in some years.
In addition, the grinder costs vary from $17,000 to $35,000 per season depending upon how much slash is brought in.
Funds for the grinder are paid in large part from a grant by El Paso County.
- 4. Where does the money go that I donate?
If you express a desire that it go to the Care & Share Program, that is where it goes and they use it to buy fresh items such as meat and milk for
distribution. Please write a check payable to Black Forest Cares. Otherwise, the money is used to pay for literature
such as Fact Sheets which are available at the Slash-Mulch site, costs for reproduction and miscellaneous items necessary to maintain site operations. When the front loader fees do not meet the actual cost of the loader, we make up the difference from donations.
- 5. Why do you ask for a donation to Care and Share?
It is a nice thing to do and most participants willingly do so. The food is taken by volunteers to the Food Pantry at the Black Forest Lutheran Church. Although we are a part of the Colorado Springs Care & Share Program, storing the food at the Food Pantry eliminates the need to take it to the city, then hauling it back for distribution in the Black Forest. Care & Share helps those in need, just as the Slash-Mulch Program helps participants dispose of slash.
- 6. What is a Site Boss?
A Site Boss is the person who takes the leadership responsibility for the operation of the Slash-Mulch site on a chosen day. SAMCOM (Slash and Mulch Commettee) is made up of Site Bosses and it makes decisions concerning site operations, plans and runs community meetings and promotes the Program. Members actively learn about Forest Management and pass this information on to participants. We have several Colorado State Forest Service Volunteer Forest Stewards who are Site Bosses. Anyone who is willing to be a Site Boss is welcome to join SAMCOM.
- 7. Why is the Colorado State Forest Service involved?
The Colorado State Forest Service is a division of Colorado State University, and as such is responsible for providing forestry advice to private landowners in Colorado. The District Office for El Paso, Teller, and Park counties is located in Woodland Park, and can be reached at (719) 687-2921.
The State Forest Service also manages the silviculture on School Trust Land (See 2014 Forestry Information Guide).
This section is managed for a variety of uses by the "Section 16 Partners: El Paso County Solid Waste Management
(the Slash-Mulch Site), El Paso County Parks (perimeter trail), Academy School District 20 (surface lease), and School of the Woods (D20).
- 8. May I burn slash on my property instead of hauling it to the Slash-Mulch site?
The short answer is No! There are several reasons why this is not a desirable option, the most obvious one being the ramifications of a fire getting out of your control and creating widespread damage to the forest and other residential or commercial properties. This is the primary reason for prohibitive covenants and state and county fire restrictions.
The preferred option is to transport slash to the Slash-Mulch site where it can be used to benefit you and other residents without any risk to the Black Forest.
- 9. I thought pine trees were "evergreens." Why do some needles on my trees turn brown and fall off?
Some of us former city dwellers thought we escaped the annual ritual of raking leaves when we moved to the forest.
Pine trees are called evergreen because they maintain their green appearance year around, even during the winter.
However, when the aspen, ash and maple trees lose all of their leaves each fall in preparation for winter,
so does the pine tree lose some leaves (needles). A pine tree releases certain needles close to the trunk on
a 3 to 5 year cycle. This minimizes the need for nutrients and moisture during the winter, while
providing a protective ground cover. This is a good thing, but the continuous layering of needles develops an
excessive buildup and requires your assistance, supported by the Slash-Mulch Program, to mitigate potential wildfires.
- 10. My property has several areas with no trees. May I dig up and move some of those growing along the road?
Maybe. The "right of way" areas between the road(s) and your property, including any trees growing there,
fall under the statutory control of El Paso County, and trees may be destroyed or removed for transplanting only with
permission of the El Paso, Transportation Department.
- 11. Is there another way to improve my property without transplanting trees?
In addition to their many other duties associated with forestry management, the Colorado State Forest Service
operates a Trees for Conservation program through which it sells, at production cost, seedlings of
various trees and bushes to landowners who own two or more acres (most lots in the Black Forest meet this requirement).
In addition to several types of trees which grow well in this climate, the Forest Service also has
available numerous bushes excellent for wind protection and wildlife conservation.
This is an ideal way to enhance your property and ensure the future health of the forest with a
minimum of cost and effort.
Call 719-687-2921 for more information.
- 12. Where can I learn more about how to control the mountain pine beetle and dwarf mistletoe, and to better manage the trees on my property?
Not answered above check HERE
|
|
