Barnstead Emergency Information Feed
State of New Hampshire
Emergency Operation Center
Contact: Bill Boynton
603-630-2986
Tuesday, July 29, 2008 4 p.m.
Timber and Construction Debris Cleanup Underway From Tornado Damage
CONCORD, N.H. – 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 a lot of forested land destruction in parts of Merrimack, Rockingham, Strafford, Belknap and Carroll counties. It’s important that the debris cleanup effort 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.
Start by contacting your county forester and get professional assistance at "http://www.nhwoods.org"
A list of certified loggers can be found at "http://www.nhtoa.org"
Get references, use a written contract and ensure 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 continue to have timber value. Seek advice from a professional.
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 an imminent threat. If downed trees and limbs cannot be removed, they should be cut up so they are in contact with the ground.
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 landowner. Permission is needed before taking the wood.
Informational sessions on proper timber debris removal are planned for the week of August 7.
Office: 110 Smokey Bear Boulevard, Concord, N.H.
Mailing address: 33 Hazen Drive, Concord, N.H. 03305
603-271-2231, 1-800-852-3792, fax 603-225-7341
State of New Hampshire TDD access: relay 1-800-735-2964
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
FOR WEBSITE AND CABLE TV CHANNEL 24:
LOCAL ASSISTANCE:
BCEP will open each day starting Monday, July 28 through Sunday, August 3, from 8:00 am – 7:00 pm to accept brush and tree parts from the Tornado, free of charge. Regular trash, recyclables and demolition materials will not be accepted during the extended hours.
Building Inspector: Permits are required for all work on your property but the fees will be waived for tornado victims. Call 269-2299
Selectmen’s Office: Intent to Cut (wood or timber) Forms must be filled out. Call Carol for more information 269-4071 ext. 101.
The Selectmen’s Office has a list of contacts from Loggers, Heavy Equipment, General Contractors to Volunteers for anyone in need as well as other assistance. Call 269-4071.
STATE ASSISTANCE:
NH Insurance Dept. - questions regarding insurance coverage for tree damage/removal call 1-800-852-3416.
Red Cross Assistance – Concord, 225-6697
Public Inquiry Hotline – 1-888-330-6764