For Immediate Release: June 30, 2009
Contact: Sue Rodman, Forester 317-7236

Summer Wildfire Mitigation Project in Campbell Creek Greenbelt 
Tree work in area adjacent to 2008 Piper Fire

To mitigate the risk and hazard of wildfire and to improve trail safety, the Anchorage Fire Department has partnered with the MOA Parks & Recreation Department for a Trail Watch project this spring along the Campbell Creek Trail between Piper Street and Elmore Road. Tree thinning and pruning along this trail is a continuation of efforts by these two groups started in 2003. This is also the site of the Piper Fire which burned 10 acres of forest on July 3, 2008.

There is substantial evidence of fire use throughout this area which could impact homes adjacent to Campbell Park. Dense trees and fallen limbs provide the fuel for these fires. By thinning black spruce trees and pruning the live residual trees, less wood is available to burn. Also, the increased visibility into the forest dissuades fire use.

Dense black spruce trees will be thinned into small clumps. Residual trees will be pruned, removing the lower branches near the ground. This treatment removes "fuel" for fires between trees and improves visibility through the forest near the trail for safety. Firefighters will treat both sides of the trail 25 – 50 feet into the forest, depending on forest type. Additionally, dead trees will be removed in the forested area north of the trail between Grumman and Piper. A buffer will be maintained between the parking lot of the Permit Center and the trail.

The project will begin on Tuesday, June 30 and is expected to last about two weeks. Thinning and pruning will be done by the State of Alaska Pioneer Peak Hotshots. These are professional firefighters working on fire mitigation projects in the Anchorage area since 2001. Chipping will be done by a private contractor Fuels Reduction of Alaska. Please watch for signs indicating that the crew and chipper are working. Give them plenty of space while using the trail.

Wildfires Happen . . . Be Ready.
http://www.muni.org/fire - http://www.muni.org/parks