Fire Wise Conference 2013

The Fire Wise group hosted a 2 day workshop and conference here in Sun City this week to limelight our  efforts to keep our community safe. The guest list was comprised of newspaper journalists, HOA managers, and forestry and public safety professionals. The event, which was organised and led by Dan Dodson and Paul Ohlenbusch, was a tremendous success.

My crew and I were the finale of the field trip tour which showcased the various stages of the Fire Wise clearing processes and participation. Our demonstration highlighted the use of the Bobcat with Forestry Mulcher attachment.

As my camera battery was spent, I would like to thank Maggi Jones, Sun Rays Production Editor,  for providing me with following photographs from our participation in the event.

130205 Pit Stop

Last week we ordered new tracks for the Bobcat Skidsteer as the current ones were wearing pretty thin. The terrain we operate on, typically a mix of limestone and flint, can be fairly abrasive. The new tracks arrived yesterday. This morning we had, for lack of a better term, a blowout. Thanks to Charles for knowing and understanding the limits of his machine.

With the new tracks...............

LHGC Driving Range 130130

Progress continues to be made at LHGC Driving Range. We estimate that we will be 40% complete with this area by the end of the week.

Here is a photo of the truck backing up the chipper into a new area of the site. You can get a good view of the thickness of the cedars behind.

This photo is from the front of the truck showing the area we have already cleared. That's a lot of mulch!

LHGC Driving Range 130123

Here is an aerial shot from Google Earth outlining the area we are currently working in.

LHGC Driving Range Phase 1

The total size of this space is approximately 4 acres. There is an abundance of cedars here, and we are making good progress. Here are some before and after images.

Before

After

LHGC Driving Range

Today we started a new area that borders the Legacy Hills Golf Course Driving Range. We have begun our task at the corner of Whispering Wind and Del Webb, and will be working our way up and behind the tee boxes for the driving range.

Here are some videos of the crew members operating the chipper at this location.

N13 400 Block

The area behind the 400 Block of Rio Grande Loop in Neighborhood 13 will be completed this week. Here are some before pictures.

And these are the after shots:

Progress through 2012

At the end of 2012, we had successfully cleared approximately 197 acres of land for both our Fire Wise and Water Ways efforts.

The Fire Wise team, comprised of both CA staff and resident volunteers, cleared a total of 67 acres. The Fire Wise Volunteers meet every Thursday, weather permitting, to clear designated areas.

If you are interested in becoming a part of the volunteer effort contact Catrin Dubois by way of the directory or monitor's desk.

Here is a map showing the cleared Fire Wise areas:

Fire Wise Clearing through the end of 2012

There is close to 160 acres of creek area on site that has been identified for maintenance. At the close of 2012, we have addressed 129 acres through our staff and contractors; the remainder is expected to be completed this year.

Here is a map showing the cleared Water Ways areas:

Water Ways Cleared through 2012