Demonstration fuel reduction project completed at LSC-Montgomery

THE WOODLANDS, Texas – 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 manualtools. Mature pine, oak, and other largenative 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.