The wood from "Tree #10" (in the foreground), with bark filled with stored acorns by acorn woodpeckers, is to be left in place for birds to feed upon, according to a report from the biologist hired by Kern County. The other two oaks being taken down are visible in the background, one pruned to its trunk and the other lying on its side about 100 yards away, near the parking lot. See The Mountain Enterprise on newsstands today for the full story.
FRAZIER PARK, CA (Thursday, Feb. 24, 2011 at 10:30 a.m.)--See today’s issue of The Mountain Enterprise on newsstands now for the full story on trees being removed from Frazier Mountain Park. Three trees have been authorized by an arborist for removal. Ten more are being pruned. The three to be removed were designated as hazards to park visitors due to decay which could cause branches to fall.
Charities Concerned
Leslie Long’s Warm Hearts, Warm Homes group has qualified 30 families in economic distress to received firewood from two of the downed trees. She said in an interview that Masons and the Cavalry Church plus others will help her cut and distribute the wood to the families. Long requested that Warm Hearts, Warm Homes be designated as the exculusive recipient of the firewood, but Kern County Parks Director Bob Lerude said he was unable to do that. The wood from the oaks being cut down is available on a first come, first served basis, after county personnel work hours. County personnel work from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and members of the public are asked to stay away from the work area during those hours. Those who would like to help Warm Hearts, Warm Home harvest the wood are welcome to call Long at 661-993-8079.
Mandatory Rules To Be Enforced
No motor vehicles may be driven on park property, beyond the normal parking areas. No chainsaws may be used on park property. Kern County Sheriff’s Sergeant Mark Brown said these guidelines will be strictly enforced.
Wood from Tree Number 10 To Be Preserved for Acorn Woodpeckers’ Food Source
Wood from a third tree, designated "Number 10" (which is the eastern-most tree of the three trees cut down) will be left in place because it is used as a storage place by acorn woodpeckers. Called a "granary tree" by the arborist, the wood should be left in place as a food source for birds and other animals and as an educational opportunity for the public, the arborist said.
Activists in Frazier Park have expressed concern over the means by which the logs at "Tree #10" would be restricted.They have made signs to inform the public about the restricted wood.
This is part of the February 18, 2011 online edition of The Mountain Enterprise.
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