To mitigate the risk and hazard of wildfire in the neighborhood, the Anchorage Fire Department has partnered with the MOA Parks & Recreation Department to treat the southern perimeter of Muldoon Park between Muldoon Road and Patterson Street, along 32nd Avenue. Spruce bark beetle killed trees will be removed. Additionally, residual spruce trees will be pruned to limit fire spread into the tree tops and to reduce their susceptibility to future bark beetle attacks. Tree tops and limbs will be mulched onsite and native grass will be planted for re-vegetation. Firewood will be brought to the

roadside for use by local residents. This project will limit the available fuel for brush fires to spread to the adjacent neighborhood. Crews will be working in the area through the month of May

There has been evidence of fire use in Muldoon Park over the past several years. Most vagrant fire use and camping takes place in the dense black spruce stands of the park. A dense, native grass called bluejoint reedgrass has grown into openings where spruce bark beetle killed trees have exposed the forest floor to more direct sunlight. This grass is a primary carrier of fire throughout Southcentral Alaska. Homes adjacent to the park are exposed to fire. In removing the dead trees and mulching the woody debris, the grass will be knocked down. After treatment, AFD will seed the area with a different native grass that greens up faster and is less likely to carry fire.

The Anchorage Fire Department uses the national Firewise home protection principles to reduce the potential for wildfires to spread to homes. Firewise is everyone’s responsibility. Managing our forests for fire and resistance to bark beetles supports green, vibrant trees on both private and public lands.

This project began this week and is expected to be completed by the end of May. Tree thinning will be done by the State of Alaska Pioneer Peak Crew. These are professional firefighters working on fire mitigation projects in the Anchorage area since 2001. Slash mulching, or "mowing", will be done by a private contractor Fuels Reduction of Alaska. This crew has been on contract with the Anchorage Fire Department since 2005.

Please contact AFD Forester, Sue Rodman at 317-7236 for more information.