PG&E and the Mariposa County Fire Safety Council offer free downed tree removal

FRESNO, Calif. (KFSN) -- If you've spent any time in the mountains you've noticed a growing number of dying trees. But Mariposa County residents can now have downed trees removed for free.

The number of brown, dead or dying pine trees in the mountains is staggering. They stand in stark contrast to the scenic greenery. But PG&E and the Mariposa County Fire Safety Council have teamed up on a downed tree removal program. PG&E spokesman Denny Boyles said crews checking power lines are also seeing large swaths of dead trees.

Boyles said, "Acres and acres, hundreds of thousands of acres of these dead trees and it's a concern to both Cal Fire and PG&E because of the impact if a wildfire breaks out."

The free tree removal service is a first come-first served deal for private homeowners who have downed trees near structures or roads. Extreme drought conditions and the spread of the bark beetle prompted the agencies to take action.

"In normal years, healthy trees, you might see 5 or 10 trees per acre that are affected by bark beetles," said Boyles. "This year it's essentially entire hillsides that have been affected."

PG&E funded the Mariposa County program with a $358,000 grant. The downed trees will be cut into firewood which will be delivered to area seniors to help them keep warm during the winter.