Slash Pile Guidelines
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In February we sent out an email letting everyone know ODF was working with the fire department and: "The chipping service will be offered again this year but in a limited offering. Chipping will occur along Rocky Point Road, and Mtn Lakes Road and at the RPFD Parking field." We had until the end of April to form our piles. However the weather did not allow us to get out there and do the work!
We spoke to ODF today and we have an extra week! This week and next week are supposed to be warmer weather and we should be able to get out there and cut some brush.
Wednesday, May 10th, ODF will be here to chip brush piles on Mtn Lakes Rd and Rocky Point Rd. If you don't live on Mtn Lakes Rd or Rocky Point Rd you can haul your brush and pile it along Rocky Point Rd in the field across Fugar Way from the Fire Station. Do not pile it in the middle of the field, pile it along Rocky Point Rd. at the edge of the field.
Attached are the Instructions for the piles.
How to Pile Brush for Chipping Operations:
Chipping can be a very effective method of slash disposal. A layer of chips a few inches deep spread across the ground poses relatively little fire hazard. Chipping results in a neat appearance, and the mulch holds soil moisture, covers exposed soil, and inhibits weed germination. Most of the labor is in dragging the material to the chipper and feeding it by hand. The material also can be piled first and the chipper moved around to each of the piles. Chipping requires fairly level ground and good access, since most chippers are towed by a truck. Below are some basic tips to ensure a smooth operation.
- Only pile clean slash (ex: not created from tractors or blades pushed with dirt, only cut by chainsaws or other shears)
- Piles should not exceed waist height
- All butts of the slash need to be pointing in the same direction (ex: not jackstraw)
- Point the butts towards the main road
- Piles should be in straight rows
- If there is too much slash to keep rows at waist height, start another row directly behind. Keeping in mind that the butts are pointing in the same direction and towards to road.
- If material is too large, cut into smaller pieces (ex: smaller trees need to be cut into manageable sizes, not to exceed 6’’ DBH, same with larger brush and branches)