Boggs Mountain Demonstration State Forest Draft ... - Cal Fire

Boggs Mountain Demonstration State Forest Draft Management Plan, June 2008
Pre-suppression fire protection activities will be conducted to ensure successful fire prevention
and suppression. Shaded fuel breaks are being constructed along the entire 22 mile Forest road
system by conservation camp crews. Forest fuels reduction through timber harvesting and
stocking control, as well as brush and slash control will be ongoing programs which will
supplement and eventually replace the fuel break system as the Forest's main defense against
wildfire. Prescribed fire will continue to be used on the Forest. Fire is a natural ecosystem
process within the Forest. Fire exclusion over the long run is not possible and is generally not
desirable in maintaining natural ecosystem processes. The use of prescribed fire can facilitate fire
hazard reduction, silvicultural and habitat research, and ecosystem management research.
The existing road system developed from the original logging road network provides adequate
access for fire protection purposes. The major roads and trails in the Forest are maintained to
provide access for fire protection purposes. Seven spring-fed water storage tanks with a total
capacity of 54,000 gallons have been constructed on the Forest for fire protection and
recreational use. Both the road system and the water storage tanks will require periodic
maintenance for continued effective fire suppression.
Potential ignition sources such as campfires and smoking are controlled on the Forest.
Campfires are restricted to developed fire pits within campgrounds. Smoking is only allowed in
areas sufficiently cleared of light fuels.
Insects and Disease
Forest pests such as insects, diseases, and vertebrates have long been established in
California’s native timberlands. Populations of pests are dynamic and fluctuate in response to
climatic and environmental changes such as drought, forest stocking, windthrow, fire, and other
site disturbances. The effects of pests may reduce tree growth, affect species composition, or
impact forest stocking. At the same time, other forest resources, such as wildlife habitat, may be
impacted by the change in forest structure brought upon by excessive tree mortality.
Various species of bark beetles, Ips sp. and Dendroctonus sp. in pine and Scolytus sp. in
Douglas-fir are endemic pests on the Forest. Periodic short dry periods and longer droughts
cause varying mortality increases. Disease is found throughout the Forest. Black Stain
(Verticicladiella wagenerii) is found on Douglas-fir. Fomes root and butt rot (Fomes annosus) is
common in Douglas-fir and pine. Dwarf mistletoe (Arceutholiurn campylopodum) is found on
ponderosa pine in localized areas. State Forest staff monitor for early signs of forest pests or
conditions that may lead to pest infestations. Forest pest management specialists will be used to
train employees in forest pest recognition and management. BMDSF remains available for forest
pest research opportunities to interested agencies, institutions, or organizations
Measures taken to protect against infestations of insects and diseases on BMDSF will include the
following:
• Maintain a diverse species composition and favor resistant species during harvest
operations, e.g. establish ponderosa pine in Douglas-fir Black Stain areas.
• Promptly treat bark beetle brood material during timber sales. Treat all conifer stumps
with borax to reduce the chance of new fomes root and butt rot infections.
• Minimize injuries to residual trees during timber sales.
• Harvest ponderosa pine with heavy mistletoe infection or with any mistletoe if it overtops
smaller trees.
• Promote vigorous growth through commercial and pre-commercial thinning.
• Release stands from brush and hardwood competition.
Sudden Oak Death:
The Boggs Mountain Demonstration State Forest is located within Lake County, which has been
declared a zone of infestation for Sudden Oak Death (SOD). Currently there is no indication that
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