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Service will conduct a fuel reduction project – removing vegetation that could provide “fuel” for a wildfire. The project will take place Monday and Tuesday, July 13-14, on one acre of typical southeast Texas brush located at the LSC-Montgomery campus (behind the Commons Building – Bldg. A, between the fire lane and the athletic fields).
Anyone interested in learning about wildfire hazards and how to design and complete similar treatments on their own land are invited. A public information officer will be on scene to provide information to visitors and the media from 9 a.m.-noon. Members of current and potential Firewise Communities USA are also encouraged to attend.
“This demonstration project will help educate the public about the simple tasks they can do to protect their home and property form wildfire,” said Stuart Coombs, wildland urban interface (WUI) specialist with Texas A&M Forest Service.
The desired effect of the treatment will decrease wildfire risk and create a more natural and resilient vegetative structure. The removal of the mid-story shrub component will allow a grassy herbaceous understory to develop. Vegetation will be selectively thinned, chipped and broadcast back onto the project area using mechanical and manual tools.
Vegetation to be removed is eight inches or smaller in diameter, and consists mostly of yaupons, vines, and smaller trees with poor structure and growth. Mature pine, oak, and other large diameter native trees will be retained, but invasive species such as Chinese tallow will be removed. Precautions will be taken to prevent damage and the introduction of disease to the retained trees.
Anyone interested in attending should contact Stuart Coombs at scoombs@tfs.tamu.edu or (936) 827-4233.
LSC-Montgomery is located at 3200 College Park Drive, one-half mile west of Interstate 45, between Conroe and The Woodlands. For more information about the college, call (936) 273-7000, or visit www.LoneStar.edu/montgomery.
Lone Star College System has been opening doors to a better community for more than 40 years. Founded in 1973, LSCS remains steadfast in its commitment to student success and credential completion. Today, with almost 83,000 students in credit classes, and a total enrollment of more than 95,000, Lone Star College System is the largest institution of higher education in the Houston area and one of the fastest-growing community college systems in the nation. Stephen C. Head, Ph.D., is the chancellor of LSC, which consists of six colleges including LSC-CyFair, LSC-Kingwood, LSC-Montgomery, LSC-North Harris, LSC-Tomball and LSC-University Park, seven centers, LSC-University Center at Montgomery, LSC-University Center at University Park, Lone Star Corporate College, and LSC-Online. To learn more visit LoneStar.edu