Ladybug Forest Health and Fuels Reduction

ScopingLetter SIGNED

Scoping notice

Announces scoping for treatments on about 2,900 acres east of Stampede Reservoir to address western pine beetle risk in mixed conifer and pine plantations.4

Comments

Comments were due 30 days from initiation, sent to the Truckee Ranger District or by email, ahead of a Decision Memo then expected in December 2019.4

Ladybug Signed Decision Memo

BACKGROUND

Places the project east of Stampede Reservoir and west of Verdi, Nevada, with 640 private acres inside the footprint in the wildland urban interface.2

NEED

Cites crowding, past logging, fire suppression and drought causing insect mortality, plus roadside vegetation within 20 feet of roads that limits visibility and safe access.2

DECISION

Approves about 1,850 acres of mechanical thinning, 610 acres of mastication, 40 acres of hand thinning, 2,880 acres of prescribed fire, road work and borate on stumps.2

Prescribed Fire Treatments

Prescribed fire follows thinning and mastication on about 2,500 acres, with about 400 acres of stand-alone underburning in rocky areas.2

LadybugProposedAction190823

Background

Notes the project lies in landscape areas designated under HFRA Title VI, Section 603, for insect and disease treatment.3

Collaboration Process

Describes a March 26, 2019 information session, a working group, an April 19 meeting and a June 24 field visit that shaped the proposal, including 72 Road work.3

Proposed Action

Lists the same treatments on about 2,900 acres, including 36 acres of roadside mastication and hazard tree removal on NFTS 72 Road.3