Red saplings in aren't dying

Federal and state forestry offices and several retired foresters have been inundated with calls from concerned North Fork residents in the last couple of weeks.

Young lodgepole pine, regeneration from the Wedge Canyon and Robert fires of 2003 seemed to be dying. The saplings, mostly three feet in height or less, were turning red in large numbers and appeared to be dead or dying. Thus the many calls and visits to foresters.

From what I can gather, all the foresters agree. The disease is called Liphodermella needlecast and generally shows up one year after a moist to wet spring — like we had last year. Fortunately, it looks worse right now than it really is. Unless it occurs for an extended period, it seldom kills trees.

The dead leaves (needles) will be cast off later in the summer, and this year’s growth will remain. The new growth will make the trees look healthy again. Thus, the disease is very showy but has little or no lasting impact.

The only danger is if there are multiple wet springs, which continue the infection. Then tree growth can be affected, and some trees may be killed. Just another good reason for us all to do a sundance to end the miserable weather we have been missing.

The Flathead County Road Department continues to lay crushed rock mixed with bentonite on the North Fork Road north of Polebridge and then pack it with a big roller. As of Wednesday, they were nearly to Moose Creek Road and are still hoping they have enough material to reach Whale Creek.

As a result, the road is in the best shape that I have seen in my 65 years as a North Forker. The crushed rock is the biggest factor in keeping the road smooth, but grader operator Randy is an important factor, too. His work, pulling the ditches and restoring the crown in the road, keeps water from standing on the surface and allows it to flow to culverts, where the water is carried way from the road.

Last Saturday was clean-up day at Sondreson Community Hall, and there were plenty of volunteers. The building was cleaned from stem to stern, and the windows now sparkle. In addition, the wood shed is full (thanks Paul Marota), there is kindling, and the wood box is full, too. Project manager Lee Secrest brought dead lodgepole, which was peeled, and Lee will now split them at his sawmill to finish repairing the rail fence around the property.

Also, the outhouse was cleaned and disinfected and, unlike Forest Service’s sweet-smelling toilets, ours really is sweet smelling.

First regular meeting of the North Fork Landowners Association was June 2, and a packed social calendar starts next week. If you somehow missed getting a copy, write to NFLA treasurer Bonny Ogle at P.O. Box 1603, Columbia Falls MT 59912. and the NFLA will see that you get a copy. There are so many activities, from bocce ball to dances, that I can’t possibly list then all in this column.