2009 Forest Report Summary

1) Background and Purpose

      •  Authorized by Sterling Pointe Board at a cost of $600 paid by the Association

      •  Pine Beetle & Forest Health inspection

2) Purpose

      •  Assess general health of the forest in Sterling Pointe

      •  Identify areas of insect infestation

      •  Assess areas of high fuel density for fire mitigation purposes

 3) Survey

      •  Conducted by Keith Worley, Certified Arborist, May to July of 2009

      •  3 separate inspections were done and were general in nature

4) Observations

      •  No Mountain Pine Beetle infested trees were identified

      •  Several Ips engraver beetle attacked trees were observed, but no control measures are recommended at this time. The spring snows and wet growing season has temporarily reduced tree drought stress and susceptibility to Ips attack.

5) Recommendations

            •  Mountain pine beetle presence is still low in the immediate area. However, forest conditions are conducive to potential epidemic outbreaks.  The closest large infestation is in the Palmer Lake area on Ben Lomand Mountain, east of the lake.

            •  To decrease risk of insect and disease infestations, thinning of forest stands and removal of heavy dwarf mistletoe is recommended for most areas in Sterling Pointe

            • Reduction of fire risk by removing "ladder" fuels such as Gambel oak under drip line of trees

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