TREE REMOVAL EFFORTS There are a number of tree removal efforts taking place in Amador County that will continue as new dead trees are identified. Below is an outline of the various agencies and companies removing trees around Amador County.
1. County of Amador: The County is marking and removing trees that can fall onto or over a County maintained road or County maintained structure. The County contracts with Registered Professional Foresters to mark trees that qualify for free removal by the County. After the trees are marked, the County then contracts with Licensed Timber Operators to fell the tree. To learn about the County's Tree Removal efforts visit the Current Upcoming Projects page and the GIS Maps page.
The County sends out Right of Entry permits to homeowners who may have dead trees on their property that could potentially impact County maintained roads or County maintained structures. Once the homeowner signs and returns the right of entry permit, they will be entered into a secure database which notifies the contractor which properties they can access.
2. CAL FIRE:CAL FIRE's mission is to serve and safeguard the citizens and protect the property and resources of California through both its' Resource Management and Fire Proection programs. In addition to providing forest practices oversight, technical support and public information, locally CAL FIRE is managing dead and dying trees on its' own facilities and the Mount Zion State Forest, as well as providing fire crews and engine companies to support various local tree mortality and wildland fire fuels reduction projects within Amador County.
3. PG&E: PG &E is removing trees they have identified and is continuing to conduct inspections to identify recent tree deaths and trees that otherwise pose a threat to its transmission lines. PG&E also has a new Debris and Wood Management Program which is intended to remove trees cut by PG&E. To report dead, dying, or diseased trees near power lines contact PG&E at 800-743-5000. Some signs of a dead, dying or diseased tree are bare branches, brown leaves or needles, a cracked or leaning trunk and trails of fine sawdust near the tree base indicating an insect attack. If you identify such a tree and it is close to a power line, don't attempt to remove or prune it.
4. Caltrans: Caltrans is removing trees that may fall within their infrastructure, typically any dead or dying tree within 200 feet of a state highway.
5. Amador Water Agency (AWA): Amador Water Agency is marking and removing trees that could potentially fall onto AWA infrastructure and water lines. To learn more about AWA tree removal efforts, contact Damon Wyckoff at dwyckoff@amadorwater.org.
6. Wood Angels: The Wood Angels is a local non-profit organization that delivers wood to those in need, to help in heating their homes. Last year they delivered more than 150 cords of wood, absolutely free, to seniors, vets, the physically disabled and others who are having a hard time making ends meet. Anyone interested in supporting the Wood Angels’ effort, with donations or labor, is invited to call Nancy Fort, at (209) 295-4876 or (209) 256-2226, or by email, to snfort@volcano.net.
INFORMATION FOR PRIVATE LANDOWNERS If your tree is near a power line you can contact PG&E at 1-800-743-5000. If your tree is near a water system you can call Amador Water Agency at 209-223-3018. If your tree threatens Amador County infrastructure (road, building, etc.), please submit your information to us via email at rrharrisconsulting@gmail.com. For a list of local tree service providers, see this guide.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture Natural Resource Conservation Service has released federal funding to assist in the removal of trees on private forest lands. For more information please call 209-223-6535 and see "What's New" on this website.
SUPPORT EFFORTS Calaveras Amador (CalAm) Forestry Team: The CalAm Team is working diligently to assist tree removal efforts and fuel load reduction projects in Amador and Calaveras Counties. Founded in 2014 in response to available funding to restore the Mokelumne Watershed, the team consists of a small group of retired foresters and biology professionals who write grant proposals, provide professional advice and scientific data to our local governments and agencies, and provide public educational venues. CalAm urges homeowner’s associations, road districts and neighborhoods to apply for the allocated grant funds through their Fire Safe Councils and Resource Conservation Districts with CalAm assistance if needed.