You can’t go to The Woods without having one major Project. Our Project this year was clearing the underbrush, overcrowding, and fire ladders out of an area called “The Triangle”. It’s about a 2 acre patch right at the entrance to the property, and forms an important piece of the fire defense. George got the chainsaw – nothin’ sexier than a man with power tools. Hubba-hubba. Trees had been marked for removal before we got there and he laid waste to them and all the underbrush. Dad and Jakob manned the chipper. Mom and myself pitched in, kept everyone fed and watered, Issac out of trouble, and the hot tub hot. Once all the underbrush and small trees were taken out, it was time to take down the large trees that were overcrowded. TIMBER! was the word of the day, as many trees came down – often with the help of the winch on the ATV. (And you thought ATV’s were just for fun!) Taking a run at the winch line, in reverse, at speed, with a big old YANK at the end as you tried to get the tree down was as good a many amusement park rides! The large trees got cut into poles, posts, and firewood. Later, Jakob and Mom, took the log splitter up, and split all that firewood. I think we got a couple cords out – at least. Not to mention enough poles and posts for a small corral. George turned into a maniac with that chainsaw, and we had the entire piece cleared in two days. While never demanding it (except of Jakob), he pushed all of us to work a bit harder by his example. The Triangle has been renamed George’s Grove. Gee I wonder why…
You might wonder if we clear the entire 30-some-odd acres like this. No. Wildlife habitat is important too. So large parts are kept thick for the elk, mountain lions, bear, coyotes, deer, and other wildlife that call The Woods home. Cleared areas, like George’s Grove – which is surrounded by road – become important defensible spaces and fire breaks – should fire come through. So, the thick parts are kept – but surrounded by open areas where fire can be stopped. We also protect our riparian areas this way – though the forester who works with us says those areas are too wet to burn much anyway. Fire defense is a way of life here. Our neighbor is putting in a pad large enough for the WA State DNR to land a Hewie on. And the DNR guys have been through a couple of times looking for defensible space, and safe havens for their firefighters. We’ve given them the gate code, and asked them to let us know what they need.
If you look at the picture that had just woods in it…. The left side has been cleared, the right side is only about 1/3 done. That’ll give you and idea of the magnitude of this project.
So, what’s the picture of the dog doing here?? Ah. Everyone pitched in – and Taiko’s job was to schlep water and snacks for the work crew. His pack has 2 2-liter water bladders, plus space for bottles, and much trail mix and other snacks. This picture was the first time he’d been asked to carry that much – and he doesn’t look too happy about it. (He did eventually learn to like his pack.)
You might wonder if we clear the entire 30-some-odd acres like this. No. Wildlife habitat is important too. So large parts are kept thick for the elk, mountain lions, bear, coyotes, deer, and other wildlife that call The Woods home. Cleared areas, like George’s Grove – which is surrounded by road – become important defensible spaces and fire breaks – should fire come through. So, the thick parts are kept – but surrounded by open areas where fire can be stopped. We also protect our riparian areas this way – though the forester who works with us says those areas are too wet to burn much anyway. Fire defense is a way of life here. Our neighbor is putting in a pad large enough for the WA State DNR to land a Hewie on. And the DNR guys have been through a couple of times looking for defensible space, and safe havens for their firefighters. We’ve given them the gate code, and asked them to let us know what they need.
If you look at the picture that had just woods in it…. The left side has been cleared, the right side is only about 1/3 done. That’ll give you and idea of the magnitude of this project.
So, what’s the picture of the dog doing here?? Ah. Everyone pitched in – and Taiko’s job was to schlep water and snacks for the work crew. His pack has 2 2-liter water bladders, plus space for bottles, and much trail mix and other snacks. This picture was the first time he’d been asked to carry that much – and he doesn’t look too happy about it. (He did eventually learn to like his pack.)
Posts
No comments:
Post a Comment