EASTERN SIERRA CLIMATE & COMMUNITIES RESILIENCE PROJECT
EASTERN SIERRA CLIMATE & COMMUNITIES RESILIENCE PROJECT
EASTERN SIERRA CLIMATE & COMMUNITIES RESILIENCE PROJECT
Eastern Sierra Wildfire Alliance
Mammoth Lakes town parcels fuels reduction implementation
The Mono County and Town of Mammoth Lakes (TOML) Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan, which includes the Mono County Community Wildfire Protection Plan, identifies hazards and risks associated with wildland fire in proximity to TOML and identifies areas of highest concern. Through CALFIRE Forest Health Grant Program funding and in partnership with TOML, Mammoth Lakes Fire Department, City of Los Angeles, and Mammoth Mountain Ski Area, Whitebark Institute will be conducting fuels reduction on three parcels within Mammoth Lakes that were identified as high to very high fire risk to wildfire: Bell-shaped Parcel, Camp High Sierra, and Mammoth Creek Parcels. This project will create healthier and more wildfire-resilient forests by removing dead trees and those that are infested with bark beetles, to increase stand vigor and reduce tree mortality. Some healthy trees will also be removed to bring forest density in line with natural historic levels. This important work will have impacts to the paved multi-use pathways (MUP), specifically the Town Loop, which will result in two different closures and subsequent detours in the Mammoth Creek Area (detailed above). ​
Mammoth Creek Parcel
Project Dates
August 24 through September 29, 2023
Anticipated Scope of Work
18.5 acres will be covered by thinning trees < 20“ diameter at breast height (DBH) and hazard trees < 30” DBH. The trees will be pre-marked focusing on removal of dead and diseased trees first and low value trees next. There will also be removal of all dead trees up to 30” DBH and a selection of dead trees over 30” DBH. Most of the down woody logs will be removed, leaving the two largest logs per acre. Slash material (limbs and branches) will be chipped and remain on site for soil stabilization.
Multi-Use Path Closures
From Aug. 24 through Sept. 7, the multi-use path (MUP) will be closed from Juniper Springs Drive heading east to Waterford Bridge.
From Sept. 8 – 24 the MUP will be closed from Waterford Bridge heading West to Sherwin Street Junction.
Bell Shape Parcel
Project Dates
August 31 - September 1 2023
Anticipated Scope of Work
7 acres will be covered by thinning trees < 20“ diameter at breast height (DBH) and hazard trees < 30” DBH. The trees will be pre-marked focusing on removal of dead and diseased trees first and low value trees next. There will also be removal of all dead trees up to 30” DBH and a selection of dead trees over 30” DBH. Most of the down woody logs will be removed, leaving the two largest logs per acre. Slash material (limbs and branches) will be chipped and remain on site for soil stabilization.
Traffic control
During work hours (7 a.m. - 6 p.m.) expect a maximum of 20 minute delays on Meridian and Minaret roads as traffic control is needed while logs are removed from the site.
Camp High Sierra Parcel
Project Dates
October 9, 2023 (after campground closes)
Anticipated Scope of Work
35 acres will be covered by thinning trees < 20“ diameter at breast height (DBH) and hazard trees < 30” DBH. The trees will be pre-marked focusing on removal of dead and diseased trees first and low value trees next. There will also be removal of all dead trees up to 30” DBH and a selection of dead trees over 30” DBH. Most of the down woody logs will be removed, leaving the two largest logs per acre. Slash material (limbs and branches) will be chipped and remain on site for soil stabilization.
Multi-Use Path Closures
Temporary closures (during work hours) on Juniper trails and multi-use path ways.