FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: March 23, 2004

BLM to Spray Trees at Recreation Sites in
Canyons of the Ancients National Monument

The Bureau of Land Management will conduct a spraying project in early April to protect 150 mature piñon pine trees against the Ips beetle at three cultural and recreational sites in Canyons of the Ancients National Monument. Preventive spraying is a proven method for protecting trees that are not yet infested, but susceptible, to beetle attack. The beetles, which are now wintering in dead trees in the region, are expected to emerge in late March or early 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 early 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 sites proposed for treatment are not near any perennial water sources. Spraying will only take place when wind speeds are less than five miles per hour to reduce the risk of drift. Signs will be posted to warn against piñon-nut harvesting from treated trees. Trees that have been treated will be marked. As a precaution, plastic will be laid on the ground below treated trees in sensitive archaeological areas. 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.