Strategic Operations for Safety tree removal project public comment ends Monday | Top Stories [Video]

MEDFORD, Ore. — The Bureau of Land Management Medford District concluded its public comment period for the Strategic Operations for Safety, Salvage and Removal of Dead and Dying Conifers Monday.

The environmental assessment project establishes a framework for the salvage and removal of dead and dying trees “in strategic places close to where people live” according to BLM. This will start with project one that would remove many of those dead trees in the Applegate Valley.

Overall the SOS will authorize 10,000 to 15,000 acres of treatments with room for additional proposals.

“One of the biggest reasons why we’re doing this is to increase public and firefighter safety,” said Kyle Sullivan, the public information officer for the BLM Medford District. “These trees pose a lot of risks for the general public who’s traveling on BLM roads or on BLM lands or recreating out there.”

Sullivan also mentioned the fire risk …