During the summer of 2004, the Resource Conservation District fuels crew is implementing 5 miles of a 300 foot wide fuel management zone for the protection of Weaverville (which is considered a "community at risk"), residents of Rush Creek Estates and the homeowners along Rush Creek Road. This project will reduce the risk of catastrophic fire by reducing current fuel ladder and surface fuel buildup to levels that reduce the probability of crown fire development and fire growth.

The crew of six is removing 1" to 6" trees, ladder fuels, and brush on US Forest Service lands along the Highway 3 and Rush Creek road corridors. Fire wood is being provided where it is feasible. The remaining material in excess of other resource concerns will be chipped, lopped and scattered, or hand piled and burned. This project is expected to improve 238 acres of forest along these roadways, which are high risk areas for fire starts.

Monitoring the success of this project will include before and after photo comparisons on four selected plots. Material removed for utilization will be measured based on per board foot and material utilized for firewood will be measured based on cords removed.