Lone Star College-Montgomery and the Texas A&M Forest Service conducted a fuel reduction project, removing vegetation (Before, top) that could provide “fuel” for a wildfire, on July 13-14, on one acre of typical southeast Texas brush located at the LSC-Montgomery campus.

Lone Star College-Montgomery and the Texas A&M Forest Service conducted a fuel reduction project, Lone Star College-Montgomery and the Texas A&M Forest Service conducted a fuel reduction project, removing vegetation that could provide “fuel” for a wildfire, on July 13-14, on one acre of typical southeast Texas brush located at the LSC-Montgomery campus.

This event gave visitors and the media the chance to learn about wildfire hazards and how to design and complete similar treatments on their own land. A public information officer was on scene to provide information.

“This type of demonstration project helps educate the public about the simple tasks they can do to protect their home and property from wildfire,” said Stuart Coombs, wildland urban interface (WUI) specialist with Texas A&M Forest Service. 

The desired effect of the treatment was to decrease wildfire risk and create a more natural and resilient vegetative structure. The removal of the mid-story shrub component should allow a grassy herbaceous understory to develop.

Vegetation such as yaupons, vines, Chinese tallow, and smaller trees with poor structure and growth were selectively thinned and chopped using mechanical and manual tools.  Mature pine, oak, and other large native trees were left undisturbed.

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.