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Right-of-Way Clearing

Branches hitting lines can cause blinks and outages, and disrupt service. As a result, right-of-way clearing is performed in the Barron Electric service area each year. Right-of-way clearing involves the removal of vegetation that is in danger of interfering with power lines. Due to growth speed variations, clearing is performed in Barron County on a five year rotation and in Washburn County on a six year rotation.  

2008 Clearing Schedule

Barron County

Washburn County

 Dunn County
Prairie Farm Casey Sand Creek
Dallas Madge  
Sioux Creek Crystal  
Prairie Lake Stone Lake  
Chetek    
Stanley    

View Barron Electric's Right-of-Way brochure.

Jack Pine Budworm
The Wisconsin DNR has asked Barron Electric to inform members about the Jack Pine Budworm (JPBW) and the affect it may have on trees. The DNR identified the following townships that are likely to be affected:  Casey, Trego, Springbrook, Bass Lake, Crystal, Stinnett, and Hayward. Phone numbers and web sites are listed below which have more information.

The JPBW is a native insect that while in the caterpillar stage feeds on the pollen of male flowers, young shoots, and eventually the needles of Jack Pine. Affected trees have an orange crown and fire scorched appearance. Drought has caused additional stress on trees resulting in higher than usual tree mortality rates. This defoliation creates fuel for intense wild fires and possible loss of property.

If you believe that your trees may have the symptoms above, the DNR is recommending that you contact them or a consulting forester to evaluate your trees and if  JPBW is present, have the tree removed before it loses market value and before it becomes a fire hazard. Jack Pine trees have a good market value if cut in the early stages of infestation. If an infested tree is located near power lines, Barron Electric will assist in the removal. Jack Pine regenerate vigorously after clear cutting, resulting in a healthy, young forest resource.  Conversion to a less susceptible tree species such as prairie or savanna are also viable options, especially along power line corridors.

Forest Ranger-Wisconsin DNR
Bob Focht
(715)635-4086

How to Manage Jack Pine to Reduce Damage from Jack Pine Budworm:
http://www.na.fs.fed.us/spfo/pubs/howtos/ht_jack/ht_jack.htm

For a list of consulting foresters:
http://dnr.wi.gov/org/land/forestry/private/assist/coopforesters/county.asp
  

The following Barron Electric ROW contractors can also be contacted for smaller projects related to the Jack Pine Budworm:

Lake States Tree Service, Inc.
Attn:  Brian Ronnebaum
25172 Commercial Drive
Grand Rapids MN  55744

Zielie's Tree Service, Inc.
919 Fairfax Street, Suite 202
Altoona, WI  54720
715-831-8180 (office)

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