BLM Sprays For IPS Beetle at 3 CANM Recreation Sites

The Bureau of Land Management will be conducting a spraying project in mid April to protect 150 mature pinyon pine trees against the ips beetle at three cultural and recreational sites in Canyon of the Ancients National Monument.  Preventive spraying is a proven method for protecting trees that are not yet infested, but are susceptible to beetle attack.  The beetles, which are now wintering in dead trees in the region, are expected to emerge in April.

Carbaryl pesticide, also known as Sevin, will be sprayed onto the boles and branches of selected trees at the Anasazi Heritage Center, Sand Canyon Pueblo, and Lowry Pueblo.  Each site will be closed for one day during the spraying project.  If you plan to visit any of the above sites during April, please call the Anasazi Heritage Center at 970-882-5600 in advance to make sure your destination will be open the day you plan to visit.

Spraying will only be conducted in dry weather to avoid water contamination, and the sites proposed for treatment are not near any perennial water sources.  Spraying will only take place when wind speeds are not greater than five miles per hour to reduce the risk of drift.  Trees that have been treated will be marked and signs will be posted to warn against pinyon-nut harvesting.  Hard copies of the Environmental Assessment for the project are available at the Anasazi Heritage Center and Dolores Public Lands Office. 

For more information on this spraying project, contact Ken Hehr, Dolores Public Lands Office, 970-882-6822.

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