News Release

For Release: Aug. 3, 2006
Contact: Jeff Fontana (530) 252-5332
CA-N-06-82

BLM Begins Second Phase of Stones-Bengard Fuels Reduction Project

Bureau of Land Management crews are set to begin the second phase of the 700-acre Stones-Bengard hazardous fuels reduction project at the north shore of Eagle Lake.

BLM Fuels Management Specialist Ed Merrill said workers will thin stands of juniper trees on about 430 acres of BLM-managed public land near the Stones-Bengard community. The 45-day project is expected to begin Monday, Aug. 7.

Thinning the juniper stands will reduce the dense concentration of trees that could feed a wildfire, Merrill explained. The work will also provide a patchwork of vegetation with a greater variety of plants which will improve conditions for wildlife. Workers will leave juniper trees on rocky ridges and outcrops and leave smaller groups of trees throughout the project area.

"Our project is designed to improve fire safety and to preserve the scenic quality so important to residents and visitors at North Eagle Lake," Merrill said. Trees removed in the project will be chipped and trucked to the HL Power Plant in Wendel where they will be burned to produce electricity.

In later years the BLM will use carefully managed cattle grazing to control the regrowth of brush and grasses, maintaining the fire protection created in the initial project work.

The BLM developed the project in cooperation with North Eagle Lake communities and the Lassen County Fire Safe Council. Private landowners also have participated.

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