Hello Everyone,

This email announces the FOSM project on Wed., June 9, and contains information about the 36-inch diameter hazard pine tree that Kerry Wood, Cibola NF Trails and Wilderness Manager, recently felled in Balsam Glade Picnic Area.

Wednesday Project

On Wednesday, June 9, FOSM sawyers and swampers will begin felling trees along rerouted segments of the Sandia Nordic Ski Club groomed trails between 10K South Trailhead and Ellis Trailhead. Sam Beard and Michael Arndt walked these trails with Jeff Huser and Scott Dietrich today (Sun., June 6) and blazed the bark of trees to be felled. The attached map shows the trails and where trees are located.

Meet at 8 am at the FOSM Guard Station to get equipment and supplies.

Wear long pants, long sleeve shirt, and hiking boots with slip-resistant soles. Bring eye and ear protection, lunch, snacks, and drinks. We will be using chain saws.

36-inch Diameter Hazard Pine Tree Kerry Wood Felled in Balsam Glade Picnic Area

Photographs of the felled pine tree and a 20-inch white fir that Kerry felled are also presented in the attached Word document.

Kerry told me at the NTD event on Sat. that FOSM may process the large pine or the SRD will attempt to sell the wood.

Please think about the work required if FOSM decides to process this tree, and let me know what you think. I see a few options related to this project – 1. We could process just the white fir so that it could be donated to the Church Wood Ministry. 2. We could buck the small parts of the pine into 12-inch lengths and leave it there to dry. 3. We could also buck the large parts of the pine and leave it to dry. 4. Other options ???

See you Wednesday.

Sam Beard, Project Chair

Friends of the Sandia Mountains