Some currently infested spruce trees will be logged, while other stands of uninfested spruce are proposed to be harvested if and when they become infested by epidemic levels of spruce beetles. Prescribed fire will be used to reduce the slash created by commercial logging. Aspen will be regenerated through the removal of spruce and fir that is replacing aspen in the project area. Increasing the diversity of tree varieties and sizes will benefit wildlife habitat and reduce the risk of future catastrophic infestations. Prescribed fire will also be used to stimulate the regeneration of aspen.
Aspen forests are fire, or disturbance dependent, requiring frequent disturbances to regenerate.
Travel management is also being proposed in the southern part of the project area. Road densities will be reduced through new road closures and additional measures to ensure the effectiveness of previous road closures. High road densities negatively affect wildlife habitat, damage soil and water resources, and escalate the cost of road maintenance. This proposal will help lessen the impacts of high road densities on this part of the District. Contact Teresa Rigby at the Cedar City Ranger District, Dixie National Forest if you have questions, concerns, or would like to know what is currently happening on the Ranger District near your property.