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California Drought Aftermath

California Drought Aftermath

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Casey Root
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In the Sierra foothills many properties over encumbered with trees have experienced a high rate of tree mortality. Our property is no exception. We have an abundance of Oak (5 or 6 varieties) Manzanita, Buckeye, Bull Pine, Poison Oak and a number of other unnamed species. In spite of 60" of rain in the '15-'16 season the death loss continues. In the last few days a couple of tools were employed to relieve the issue. They are, 1. An old Cat D6C, 2. Log chain, 3. Johnny popper with grapples, 4. Husqvarna saws and 5. 2 OLD guys.

The results are about 17 to 20 cords of Oak logs decked. A bunch of brush removed and burned and a 30% to 40% hillside opened up to the sun. Over the last 2 years we have probably harvested another 30 to 40 cords. After the survey that we just did there is probably another 150 to 200 trees that should be removed. It would make for a much healthier forest.

I have to acknowledge the contribution that MOTAT made to my training in brush removal while I was in NZ. Thanks MOTAT and I hope you are well.

The first photo is from the upper reaches looking across the canyon to where my neighbor rolled his D6C-10K. Had he not been a Saddle Bronc rider, I doubt he would have survived.
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Sun, May 13, 2018 2:23 AM
Oil Slick
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Are your trees being killed by the beatle?
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Sun, May 13, 2018 5:48 AM
old-iron-habit
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Reply to Oil Slick:
Are your trees being killed by the beatle?
It looks like it could be decent hog country. WEEEEEEEEEEE
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Sun, May 13, 2018 8:12 AM
Bruce P
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Reply to old-iron-habit:
It looks like it could be decent hog country. WEEEEEEEEEEE
Looking good Casey, lots easier to have defendable space with the brush out of there.


BP.
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Sun, May 13, 2018 9:37 AM
Casey Root
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Reply to Bruce P:
Looking good Casey, lots easier to have defendable space with the brush out of there.


BP.
Oil Slick: We are at the 2400'elevation. The conifers and beetle kill start at about 2700'. I think our oaks just died from plain old effects of drought. I think the mortality is about double normal.

OIH: We do have pigs and see sign from time to time. Actually saw our first 2 last month. First time in 20 years. Luckily we are not nearly as infested with the vermin swine as the coastal counties.

Bruce: Yes, it has been an effort to create a defensible space. Water storage, weed control, back-up gen and the D6 are about we can do to protect ourselves. The fire dept is about 5 miles but would probably get here in time to save the foundation. They do their best but only so much can be done when mother nature makes her run.
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Sun, May 13, 2018 12:30 PM
Casey Root
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Reply to Bruce P:
Looking good Casey, lots easier to have defendable space with the brush out of there.


BP.
By the way, I read yesterday that the projection of conifer tree mortality for 6 central Sierra counties is estimated to be 129 million trees.
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Sun, May 13, 2018 12:31 PM
8C 361
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Reply to Casey Root:
By the way, I read yesterday that the projection of conifer tree mortality for 6 central Sierra counties is estimated to be 129 million trees.
Our ranch is at 1600 ft. And we have lost many oak trees too. Both the white oak and live oak. They didn't show up dead until after the wet year we had last year but I am sure it is the results of the extended drought.
I was afraid we were going to have a return to drought this year. We only had 8" of rain through the end of February, but we had a March miracle that brought the total up to 18" which just squeaks by as normal. We need more wet years to build up the underground reserves. It is sad to see these oaks die, we try to be respectful of them and spare them when doing any earthmoving or grading.

Tom
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Sun, May 13, 2018 7:48 PM
old-iron-habit
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Reply to Casey Root:
Oil Slick: We are at the 2400'elevation. The conifers and beetle kill start at about 2700'. I think our oaks just died from plain old effects of drought. I think the mortality is about double normal.

OIH: We do have pigs and see sign from time to time. Actually saw our first 2 last month. First time in 20 years. Luckily we are not nearly as infested with the vermin swine as the coastal counties.

Bruce: Yes, it has been an effort to create a defensible space. Water storage, weed control, back-up gen and the D6 are about we can do to protect ourselves. The fire dept is about 5 miles but would probably get here in time to save the foundation. They do their best but only so much can be done when mother nature makes her run.
[quote="Casey Root"]Oil Slick: We are at the 2400'elevation. The conifers and beetle kill start at about 2700'. I think our oaks just died from plain old effects of drought. I think the mortality is about double normal.

OIH: We do have pigs and see sign from time to time. Actually saw our first 2 last month. First time in 20 years. Luckily we are not nearly as infested with the vermin swine as the coastal counties.

Bruce: Yes, it has been an effort to create a defensible space. Water storage, weed control, back-up gen and the D6 are about we can do to protect ourselves. The fire dept is about 5 miles but would probably get here in time to save the foundation. They do there best but only so much can be done when mother nature makes her run.[/quote]

Them hogs multiply fast. I was commissioned to protect some severely hog damaged vineyards up by Rockville a few years ago when I was building a medical facility in Fairfield. If you get over overrun by them I am a squealing volunteer ready to help. Hope you still get a bit more rain to help out.
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Sun, May 13, 2018 8:52 PM
DPete
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Reply to old-iron-habit:
[quote="Casey Root"]Oil Slick: We are at the 2400'elevation. The conifers and beetle kill start at about 2700'. I think our oaks just died from plain old effects of drought. I think the mortality is about double normal.

OIH: We do have pigs and see sign from time to time. Actually saw our first 2 last month. First time in 20 years. Luckily we are not nearly as infested with the vermin swine as the coastal counties.

Bruce: Yes, it has been an effort to create a defensible space. Water storage, weed control, back-up gen and the D6 are about we can do to protect ourselves. The fire dept is about 5 miles but would probably get here in time to save the foundation. They do there best but only so much can be done when mother nature makes her run.[/quote]

Them hogs multiply fast. I was commissioned to protect some severely hog damaged vineyards up by Rockville a few years ago when I was building a medical facility in Fairfield. If you get over overrun by them I am a squealing volunteer ready to help. Hope you still get a bit more rain to help out.
That looks much better, nice D6 also
1962 D4C
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Sun, May 13, 2018 9:10 PM
greengiant
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Reply to DPete:
That looks much better, nice D6 also
I'm envious of all that beautiful oak. nothing but soft pine to burn here and I go through tons of it every winter.
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Sun, May 13, 2018 11:34 PM
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