Since the 1980s, much has changed on the Kenai Peninsula, though one glaring difference is noticeable almost anywhere one looks -- the beetle kill.
During the 1990s, the beetle kill outbreak on the peninsula left unprecedented changes, said Mike Fastabend, Spruce Bark Beetle Mitigation Program coordinator.
"It has changed the fuel composition of the Kenai Peninsula," he said.
To combat this problem, the mitigation program will remove hazardous trees along roadways throughout the borough. Called the right-of-way hazard tree removal project, the program is designed to clear all trees that threaten to block access to both public and private lands for landowners and emergency services personnel.
The program, which has been in existence for the last six years, has treated approximately 280 miles of roadways on the peninsula. Communities extending from Hope to Homer have benefited from this program, Fastabend said.
"Anyone in the borough can apply," he said. "As long as the road provides access for two or more homes, they're eligible."
Before the trees can be cleared, a person must first fill out a work request form. Forms are available on the mitigation program's Web site, which can be accessed via the borough's home page. Forms also can be picked up at the program's main office and mailed in. Anyone with questions can call (907) 260-6202.
Once a form is filed, the land in question is assessed by SBB personnel. If hazardous trees exist, a contractor is hired to take down the trees. Fastabend said the contractors will leave the downed beetle kill for the property owners to use as firewood or remove the trees, depending on what the landowner's wishes are.
"This is all at no cost to the landowner," Fastabend said.
He estimated there is enough federal funding left in the program to last two more years.
Fastabend said when a fire enters into a treated area, the flames advance to the ground instead of remaining in the canopy. This makes it easier to control and extinguish the fire.
"If you can get it to drop to the ground, you have a way to suppress it," he said.
It's important to remove these trees because they will fall down on their own over the next 10 years, potentially blocking access to roadways or taking down power lines, Fastabend said.
"By getting trees out beforehand, the road systems will remain clear."
Fastabend said landowners need to get involved in the project because some of the most hazardous trees are on private property past the easement.
"Clearing just the easement does not reach the trees that are threatening the road," he said. "We're clearing beyond what is dedicated the right-of-way easement."
Mike Nesper can be reached at mike.nesper@peninsulaclarion.com.
