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Show Volume XXX Issue XII The Ogden Valley News Page 11 September 1, 2023 Bark Beetle Aftermath By Mayor Richard L Sorensen, Huntsville Town The Huntsville Park was hit extremely hard over the last few years with an aggressive bark beetle that has infected some 50 historic spruce trees. The majestic trees were planted over a century ago in honor of World War I Veterans. Bark beetles spread rapidly from tree to tree, so quick action was required. Huntsville officials met with several arborists, as well as the Utah State Forester, to formulate a plan to remove the infected trees, while protecting the surviving trees. Efforts to save partially infected trees were enacted. Six trees had signs of infection near the top of the tree, so those trees were topped in hopes of saving the rest of the tree. Sadly, this year we realized that the infestation had spread throughout the tree, and we have had to remove five of the topped trees Tree with bark scraped and this past week. Infected limbs on pesticide applied. the sixth tree were removed in a last ditch effort to save the iconic pine tree that sits in the center of our ice rink. Additionally, two infected trees were recently discovered at The Huntsville Cemetery, and they were also removed this week. Unfortunately, the town did have to remove one beautiful, healthy tree, to make room for the new town hall and community center. The town tried to design the building in such a way to protect the large tree, but with the footprint of the building and the size of the large septic system, there was no way to build around the tree. While a fully grown tree is a huge loss and one that cannot be replaced, the town plans to plant many more trees around the building once construction has been completed. The arborists confirmed that a healthy tree is less susceptible to attack from bark beetles, so the town has enacted an extensive watering program this summer to ensure adequate irrigation of the trees. Also, all of the remaining trees had a three-foot section of bark scraped and removed by hand, then a pesticide was applied last fall. So far this year, the town has had no new infestations. Additionally, the town was able to secure a grant recently to purchase a hundred trees of various species. With the help of some great citizens, these trees have been planted in and around the park to fill in the void left by the trees that were removed. CADILLAC DESERT cont. from page 3 appointed Brian Steed—has the power to override state agencies’ decision-making powers in order to take action to save the lake. He has also been tasked to come up with a plan—by November 30—for aiding the lake’s recovery. What we do know about the Great Salt Lake: Last year it dropped to its lowest level in recorded history as a result of upstream water diversions, drought, and climate change. Currently, about the only plan to help the lake recover is to pay people to rip out lawns and green space and encourage people to conserve water. But with thousands and thousands of new apartments going up all along the Wasatch Front, one wonders how much good ripping out already shrinking green space in favor of adding additional blacktop for parking lots and new and wider roads, cement, and rooftops is going to help as water is prevented from running into the aquifers to replenish them and the ever-increasing diversions and the size of urban heat islands that continue to raise temperatures this side of the Rockies. Asked several times for specifics on what the new commissioner’s plans are, he had little to say. But “a shrinking Great Salt Lake presents an ecological catastrophe for northern Utah with toxic dust storms (arsenic is naturally occurring in the lakebed); reduced snowpack; and impacts to public health, wildlife, and the state’s economy. The Utah State Legislature has reacted with alarm, passing a number of bills aimed at water conservation and reversing the lake’s decline as well as spending roughly $1 billion over the past couple of years,” all while many members of the Utah legislature—heavyladen with real estate and construction industry professionals—are making a killing off the peddling of Utah as a great place to build. With continued pressure for a response on what can be done, and who will be the winners and losers, Steed stated, “Hopefully, no one loses totally. I think if we’re a little more mindful on how we use water both in the residential as well as in the agriculture sector, I think we can make do with the water we have.” Unfortunately, there’s always winners and losers, and it’s usually aggressive, economically vested politicians who end up being the winners at the expense of the defendants—both Mother Nature and the average man on the street. How much more do we have to give? that she will never be satisfied.’” Cadillac Desert author March Reisner tries to bring home a most important point—“we do not have supreme control over the desert. If we do not learn this lesson, then our greed and human desire to exert dominance will result in more brutal conflicts over scarce water resources and worsening environmental and economic situations.” Why is this lesson so hard to learn? Bottom line, millions and millions of dollars are on the line. Thus, there’s a lot of propaganda directed at politicians’ constituents. Utah is a prime example. The Cadillac tastes of Utah legislators, mayors, and commissioners depend on the ability to convince voters that they’re acting in their constituents’ best interests and not their own. While the Great Salt Lake’s life is hanging in the balance, the realtors, land developers, contractors, and water buffaloes down at and around the state capitol who make it a point to shape Utah’s governing laws to benefit their industry, are ensuring that Utah’s booming construction industry isn’t threatened by clearly defined water shortages that are conspicuously threatening the future health, safety, and welfare of their constituents. While they resort to their overused and highly distorted standby— property rights—the average citizen’s property rights are being eroded through out-of-control tax increases to pay for expensive, exploding infrastructure and institutional support costs; a lower quality of life with rising crime rates, pollution, and traffic congestion (time is money); water and air degradation; the congestion and overuse of public recreational facilities; and growing urban heat islands, which lead to rising temperatures and drought conditions; high blood pression, anxiety and depression and other health issues; and an increase in the number and severity of wildfires. It was interesting to read an article in the August 18 issue in the Standard-Examiner, “New commish warns of ‘tough choices’ ahead to save the lake,” published through the Great Salt Lake Collaborative. It notes the recent creation of a position called the Great Salt Lake Commissioner whose job it is to act as a pointperson for the Great Salt Lake and its recovery. Please note that under the law, he—newly Behind the Scenes at Simply Eden By student reporters Sienna Jane Hyatt and Rose Blanchard When we walked into Simply Eden, it smelled like lavender, sage, mint, and a lot of other wonderful things! We saw candles, blankets, key chains, Rice Krispie treats, lotions, and soaps. We looked behind the counter and saw two lovely ladies. Morgan works there and is an assistant. Athena is the manager and owner. We shook hands and said, “Hello.” We introduced ourselves and felt right at home. We asked Athena to tell us a little about herself. She said, “I wanted to make my own soaps and lotions because I had dry skin and because I wanted the best ingredients. So, I made soap for myself and had the idea to open a soap and lotion shop to help others with dry skin. In other words, my products are for everyone.” Then we asked her what her favorite product is and she said, “My favorite product is the mousse. Mousse is a super lotion for the skin and there are samples at Simply Eden.” N e x t , we asked her what the hardest thing about her job was. She said, “The hardest thing about my job is finding supplies like containers, oils and goat milk, oils that smell Sienna Jane Hyatt and Rose good, and Blanchard with Simply Eden some more owner Athena Steadman. stuff. I find everything I can locally, and some things online in warehouses. Then she took us downstairs to see the all the supplies. She showed us a barrel of 55 gallons of coconut oil. Heavy! Rose Blanchard asked if we could see the elevator, so she showed us the elevator and let us get into it! She told us the elevator was only for supplies. Then she let us smell scented oils. We asked her if she had a slogan or a motto. She said, “Buy locally. Make the finest non-toxic products possible, and help people feel better.” Then she took us back upstairs and we said “Goodbye.” And even though we wanted to stay and look, we left so we could write this article in time. We love that Athena is such an entrepreneur, and we love Simply Eden. The Benefits of Roof Snow Heat Cables: Ensuring a Safer and More Efficient Winter Here at J.C. Electric, we’d like to share a few of the benefits of using heat tape over your eaves to help prevent the damage to your home that can be caused by snow and ice buildup during Northern Utah’s long, cold winters. The cost of the heat tape is relatively minor compared to the harm or injury that can result from harsh winter weather. When winter arrives, the picturesque snowcovered roofs might evoke cozy holiday feelings, but they can also pose serious risks to your home’s integrity. Roof snow heat cables, a modern solution to snow and ice accumulation on rooftops, are gaining popularity for their ability to prevent potential damage caused by ice dams, icicles, and heavy snow loads. Let’s delve into the benefits of these innovative systems and how they work to keep your roof and home safe during the colder months. 1. Ice Dam Prevention: Ice dams form when accumulated snow on a roof melts due to heat escaping from the attic. The melted snow then refreezes along the roof’s eaves, creating ice dams that block proper drainage. This can lead to water seeping into your home, causing structural damage, leaks, and even mold growth. Roof snow heat cables help prevent the formation of ice dams by maintaining a consistent temperature on the roof’s surface, allowing snow to melt and drain properly. 2. Reduced Risk of Icicles: Icicles hanging from the eaves might look charming, but they can pose significant safety hazards. Falling icicles can cause injuries to pedestrians and damage to property. Roof snow heat cables help melt the snow and ice along the roof’s edge, minimizing the formation of large icicles that could break loose. 3. Structural Integrity: The weight of accumulated snow and ice can put immense stress on a roof’s structure, potentially leading to collapses. Roof snow heat cables help melt the snow and prevent it from building up to dangerous levels, preserving the integrity of the roof and ensuring the safety of your home. 4. Energy Efficiency: Roof snow heat cables are designed to be energy-efficient. They are activated only when needed, preventing energy wastage while still effectively melting snow and ice. 5. How They Work: Roof snow heat cables are installed along the roof’s edges, gutters, and downspouts. These cables are typically made of durable materials that can withstand harsh weather conditions. When temperatures drop and snow begins to accumulate, the cables are activated to generate gentle heat, preventing the buildup of ice and snow. The heat cables create channels for melted snow to flow freely, reducing the risk of water infiltration and damage. In conclusion, roof snow heat cables are a proactive and efficient solution to the challenges posed by winter weather. By preventing ice dams, minimizing icicles, preserving the roof’s structural integrity, and ensuring energy efficiency, these systems contribute to a safer and more comfortable winter season for homeowners. Consider installing roof snow heat cables to protect your investment and enjoy the beauty of winter without the worry of potential damage. A J.C. Electric representative can come to your home and provide a free estimate. Call 385240-3980, or visit www.calljcelectric.com for more information. |