01-669 C.M.R. ch. 6, § 4 - Acceptable Methods

All priority 1 areas must be cleared by burning unless an alternative method or combination of methods is agreed to and approved in advance by the respective Regional Ranger.

A. Burning is the most effective, and in most cases the only method, to remove flammable fuels such as grass, weeds and bushes. Burning will be acceptable if all fine fuels are burned up to 25 feet from the nearest rail.

B. Cutting and chipping is acceptable only where fine fuels and grass do not exist to easily support fire spread.

C. Herbicide and soil sterilant, if used in conjunction with burning the first year, nay prohibit subsequent years' growth and temporarily eliminate the need for subsequent prevention action. Erosion and environmental concerns may be factors to be considered by the railroad, and railroads must comply with all applicable rules, regulations and statutes.

D. Fire breaks are an acceptable alternative to burning and in some areas more practical. Fire breaks must be at least six (6) ft. in width cleared to mineral soil, located with outer edge of cleared strip not less than twenty-five (25) ft. from the nearest rail.

Notes

01-669 C.M.R. ch. 6, § 4