Harvesting Timber Within the Coastal Pitch Canker Zone of Infestation
Within the Coastal Pitch Canker Zone of Infestation http://frap.cdf.ca.gov/pitch_canker/prevention_management/map.html) CDF is requiring that commercial timber operations be conducted in manner that does not spread pitch canker disease and Registered Professional Foresters (RPFs) are being asked to address this issue when preparing Timber Harvesting Plans (THPs).
At present, most commercial timber land within the Zone is not infected with pitch canker. Although the Zone includes 21 counties, most infected trees within the Zone are planted ornamental Monterey pines. The major exception to this is the three native Monterey pine stands at Ano Nuevo, Monterey, and Cambria, which are all heavily infected. While virtually all of California’s other native pine species and even Douglas-fir can become infected, pitch canker infections are rare in other native stands. In addition to Monterey pine, pitch canker has been found in native stands of bishop, knobcone, and shore pines.
When harvesting trees within the Zone, it is important to determine if pitch canker is in or nearby the harvest area, i.e. within a 10-mile radius. Be on the lookout for pitch canker anytime pines are being harvested, but particularly if Monterey, bishop, knobcone, or shore pines are within or near the harvest area. Photos of pitch canker symptoms are on the pitch canker website at http://frap.cdf.ca.gov/pitch_canker/identification/index.html. California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CDF) inspectors and plan reviewers may have knowledge of nearby infestations. However, it is highly likely that not all infestations of the disease are known, so be on the lookout when in the vicinity of the harvest area. If pitch canker is present in the harvest area or nearby, mitigation measures will likely be required. Mitigations will be determined on a case by case basis, in consultation with the Department.
For further information, contact your local CDF Forest Practice office or Don Owen (phone 530-224-2494, e-mail don_owen@fire.ca.gov) or David Adams (phone 530-758-0306, e-mail david_adams@fire.ca.gov).
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