Today’s forest health outreach update covers the following topics:
* Forestry Tip of the Day: The Bark Beetle Outreach has Slowed Dramatically
* Call for Applications: 2013 Boulder County Community Chipping Reimbursement Program

* Forestry Tip of the Day: The Bark Beetle Outreach has Slowed Dramatically
Forestry Tip of the Day: We have great news to share! The U.S. Forest Service and Colorado State Forest Service recently released the latest information about the spread of mountain pine beetle (mpb) outbreak. For the fourth consecutive year in a row we have seen a significant reduction in mpb spread and intensity!

To give you an idea about how the beetle outbreak has progressed in Boulder County let’s look back at the past three years of beetle activity. In 2010 Boulder County saw 26,000 acres of newly impacted forests. In 2011 mountain pine beetle populations declined to only 16,000 acres of newly impacted forest, and in 2012 the numbers are down even more to only 1,000 acres of newly impacted forest. In Boulder County we do still have a couple of hot pockets of heavy mpb infestation. However, in most areas throughout Boulder County the outbreak has been collapsing in front of our eyes.

To read more about the annual forest health aerial survey please visit the following websites:
* A press release to the official 2012 Aerial Forest Health Survey can be found here: http://www.fs.usda.gov/detail/r2/home/?cid=stelprdb5408857
* Statistics about the bark beetle outbreak and frequently asked questions are available here: http://www.fs.usda.gov/detail/r2/home/?cid=stelprdb5408531

Why is this important?  We don’t have a crystal ball that can predict the future, but all signs are pointing toward continued declining mountain pine beetle populations. Your hard work fighting beetles on your land over the past few years is paying off and perhaps Mother Nature is giving our forest a much needed break. This is the first time in more than 4 years that we might be seeing the light at the end of the tunnel. Yippee, can we all jump up and down and celebrate our hard work and dedication to beetle tree removal yet?

Keep in mind, right now is a very important time to continue surveying for and removing the last remaining hot pockets of beetles. When mpb populations are fairly low or declining private landowners can have a much bigger impact on local beetle populations if they survey for and remove as many infested trees as possible. The work you do in late winter and spring of this year could greatly reduce total impacts from beetles in your local forest. As a reminder, if you need help identifying beetle infested trees please reference our Bark Beetle Inspector Field Guide (http://www.bouldercounty.org/find/library/environment/barkbeetlefieldguide.pdf) or give us a call.

* Call for Applications: 2013 Boulder County Community Chipping Reimbursement Program
Boulder County is offering financial assistance to encourage mountain communities to conduct community-based chipping events. Boulder County encourages all residents to perform effective wildfire mitigation on their land and to be active stewards of their backyard forests.

One of the biggest obstacles homeowners face when managing their backyard forest is disposing of slash. This community chipping program helps addresses the problem of slash disposal and encourages community members to work together to accomplish their shared goals.

This program will only reimburse communities for direct costs related to chipping or transportation costs. Reimbursement is not available for tree cutting costs. Last year in 2012, the County awarded $18,500 to nine communities in Boulder County.

Subject to prior approval, the County will reimburse up to 50% of direct costs up to a maximum of $4,000 per community. Community applications are due by March 1, 2013.

We have made several updates to the program in 2013. Please make sure to carefully read the program overview fact sheet(http://www.bouldercounty.org/find/library/build/2013bocochippingprogram.pdf) for complete details about the program.

Here is a quick snapshot of the updates for 2013 program:
* Communities are now eligible for 50% reimbursement.
* Each community must offer a forest health outreach community meeting prior to their chipping event.
* Projects which are determined to be a “volunteer based community chipping project” may be eligible to count volunteer time as in-kind match.
* Boulder County will prioritize funding toward three specific types of projects. Complete details about each type of project can be found on the program overview fact sheet.
* Reimbursement paperwork is due 30 days after project completion.
* Chipping events that support the establishment of Firewise Communities/USA or the programing of established Firewise Communities/USA will be prioritized for funding.

Important Documents and Application Form:
* Program Overview and Requirements Fact Sheet: Please make sure to carefully read this document before applying!http://www.bouldercounty.org/find/library/build/2013bocochippingprogram.pdf
*Application Form (Due by March 1, 2013) http://www.bouldercounty.org/find/library/build/2013fhchippingappform.docx
* Main Community Chipping Program website: http://www.bouldercounty.org/live/environment/land/Pages/chippingreimbursement.aspx

In order for your community to receive consideration, please submit a program Application Form (http://www.bouldercounty.org/find/library/build/2013fhchippingappform.docx)and an IRS W-9 form by email to rludlow@nullbouldercounty.org, by no later than March 1, 2013.

Please feel free to share this email with other community members and community groups who may be interested in this program. Feel free to contact us directly with any questions. We look forward to reviewing your applications!

Cheers,
Ryan

Ryan Ludlow | Forestry Education & Outreach Coordinator 
Boulder County | Land Use Department
O: 720.564.2641 | F: 303.441.4856
rludlow@nullbouldercounty.org | www.bouldercounty.org/ForestHealth
*Please visit our website to sign-up to for our Forest Health Outreach eNewsletter. Learn about upcoming forestry community meetings, wildfire mitigation, bark beetle management tips and more!