Timber and Construction Debris Cleanup Underway From Tornado Damage

CONCORD, NH – Several New Hampshire state agencies are coordinating efforts and working with the towns impacted by last week’s tornado to help with the clean-up of timber and construction debris that covers more than 8,400 acres. In addition to the 150 structures damaged along the 50-mile path of the tornado, there was also extensive forested land destruction in parts of Merrimack, Rockingham, Strafford, Belknap and Carroll counties. It’s important the debris cleanup is done as safely and quickly as possible.

Some key points to remember for those seeking to remove downed timber:

• Trees that are blown over with tops and roots attached may be good for as long as a year for lumber. Trees that are broken off or are on the ground may be usable for lumber for three to six weeks, depending upon the specific conditions. If the trees are going to be used for firewood or wood chips, they will be usable for longer than six weeks.
• Cutting damaged trees can be very dangerous. Training and safety gear are essential.
• Get professional assistance. Start by contacting your UNH Cooperative Extension county forester at www.nhwoods.org. This web site also has listings of certified arborists, licensed foresters and certified loggers.
• Get references, use a written contract and get proof that contractors have adequate insurance.
• Take pictures of the damage, and keep receipts to document the condition of the property for both insurance and tax purposes.
• The damaged trees may or may not continue to have timber value. Get professional advice.
• Follow timber harvesting laws – an “intent to cut” for the timber tax must be filed with the town to remove trees from a woodlot not near a home. Wetlands permits may also be needed. Property owners should document all logging costs, including contracts, cancelled checks and photos, for timber tax compliance.
• Fire danger is not a short-term threat. Longer term, if downed trees and limbs can’t be removed, they should be cut up so they are in contact with the ground to prevent a future fire hazard.
• While chipping is the most desirable form of disposal, if brush is going to be burned, the piles need to be at least 50 feet away from any structure. A state fire permit from your town forest fire warden or fire department is required to burn brush.
• By law, brush that is not going to be burned needs to be piled at least 100 feet away from any structure and 25 feet away from a property boundary.
• Wood along the sides of the road, even within the right-of-way, is the property of the abutting landowner. Permission is needed before taking the wood.
• Informational sessions on proper timber debris removal are planned for the week of August 4.