|
April 28, 2006
Dear Baca Grande Property Owner,
We are writing to alert you to a dangerous situation that has been brewing here in the Crestone area for some time now. Due to the continuing drought, overcrowded forests and a historical suppression of fire, the danger of a catastrophic wildfire in this area is higher than ever this year.
We are asking every property owner to take immediate steps to reduce the fire danger of their own property to increase the safety of the entire community. We need everyone to thin the pinion and juniper trees on their lots so that the crowns of the tree tops do not cover more than 40% of the area. This will reduce the probability of a crown fire which cannot be stopped. With ecological sensitivity, you can plan to create a natural-looking mosaic with some areas of greater tree density. You should also create “defensible space” around your home, other structures and older trees. See the “Fire Safety in Crestone and the Baca Grande” brochure, or on-line www.firewise.org, for more information about fire mitigation techniques .
A high-intensity fire could ruin the land values, sterilize the soil, and create a moonscape for many years before new growth occurs. If everyone who owns land here becomes a caretaker of the land and adapts their land to a low-intensity fire regime we may be spared this catastrophe. Low intensity fire is a natural occurrence here but years of fuel build-up and fire suppression has allowed the forest to become overgrown, creating a disastrous imbalance.
Whether you plan to do this work yourself or hire a private contracting company, please be aware that you must get permission from the property owners association to cut down any tree, living or dead, that is over 8” in diameter.
The Baca Grande Fire Department and the POA have created several programs to assist you in this effort. Check the POA website for times and dates of classes and special offers: www.bacapoa.org or call Kimberly Bryant in the Fire Office at 719-256-4171 .
Spring Cleaning: Haul your yard waste - $25 in May only!
In the month of May the ReStore will haul up to one-cubic yard of mitigation slash and yard waste from property within the POA for a fee of $25. Call Bill Sitkin 256-5291 to schedule a pick-up. The material must be piled curbside and the land owner should be prepared to assist in loading the waste into the trailer. NOTE: If your conifer trees are candling, that is growing the long shoot on the end of each branch, or leaves are coming out, this is NOT the time to trim or limb your trees (to protect the health of the tree).
Free mitigation slash and yard waste disposal
Pick up the key at the POA office on Road T
8 – 5 Monday through Friday
No trash dumping, no construction debris and no stumps. Free firewood is sometimes available!
Mitigation Demonstration Workshops (4 hours, $10)
“Adapting Our Culture to Fire”: How to Mitigate Your Land
Demonstrations at local homes in the Baca Grande
Four-hour class $10. Contact Kimberly to register: 719-256-4171
Basic Wildland Fire Behavior Classes
Various times and days, held in the POA hall
Contact Kimberly to register: 719-256-4171
Community Greenbelt Restoration Day & BBQ
Date to be announced
We thank you for your interest and ACTION on this important topic! If we want to keep our picture-postcard world we all need to work together on this project!
Sincerely,
Lee Mitchell
Lee Mitchell, President
For the Baca Grande POA Board of Directors | 
