Forest thinning project infuriates some Meyers residents

By Kathryn Reed

Passion and frustration oozed from three Meyers residents while talking about the forest thinning project in their neighborhood.

Anger was another emotion.

It was all directed at the California Tahoe Conservancy – owners of the 209 acres that are being treated in phases over the course of several years. About 30 acres are being treated this summer.

Amber LaPointe, Dave Mason and Ralph Meyberg all live in the Apache area of Meyers. All pleaded for the board to visit the site, for prescriptions to be revisited and the harvesting of large trees to stop.

LaPointe read a letter that was later published on Lake Tahoe News.

She questions whether the Conservancy is making money off the project.

Deputy Director Ray Lacey said with it costing about $3,000 to thin one acre, making a profit isn’t possible.

“We look at a forest from an ecological perspective, not timber,” Lacey said.

El Dorado County Supervisor Norma Santiago, who is also on the CTC board, has met with these individuals. The Conservancy has had neighborhood meetings and brought out Lake Valley fire officials to explain what is happening and why.

Santiago said it’s important people have a clear understanding what the forest will look like when projects are done.

“It’s almost like it’s been clear cut,” Mason said.

To this Lacey says, “You have to cut a clear swath to get equipment in. Clear areas are part of a forest. They support different plants and wildlife.”

Executive Director Patrick Wright told the threesome the prescription for this area could be reviewed at the next meeting.