Meet "Chip"–A Tool for Improved Efficency and Effectiveness

The task of removing the tamarisk infestation in the washes in the Ivins community of Kayenta is time and effort consuming, yet imperative. Happily, as the members and volunteers with the Desert Preservation Initiative have learned more about the work needed, the introduction of a chipper into DPI’s field processes has immediately improved the efficiency of the work and the effectiveness of the outcomes.

Chipping smaller branches onsite reduces the time and effort needed to haul debris out of the washes and transfer it to the DPI corral for disposal, often at a later date. But equally if not more important are the environmental and aesthetic improvements to the sites where tamarisk is removed.

Simply put, using the chipper “will allow us to harvest the nutrients that tamarisk has taken from the wash,” says DPI botanist Terrence Walters. “The resulting mulch will support mother nature as it reclaims these nutrients over time as the mulch degrades.” In addition, chips will decompose much faster than cut limbs, and therefore provide nutrient enrichment to the soil more quickly, thereby enriching the soil for native plants.  Chips could also be used for mulch around native plants when restoration of sites moves into replanting.     

Aesthetically, “chipping produces a very different product, reducing the volume of debris and visual impact of removal on the site,” says DPI President Chuck Warren. This result will provide an immediate payoff to homeowners on whose property tamarisk has been removed.

Using this new tool has required a new round of training, addressing hearing, eye and breathing protection as well as learning how to handle the chipper safely to avoid fire or burn hazards. “Hearing protection is paramount,” reports volunteer Scott Florence, who has participated in both the training and use of the chipper. To that end, DPI will arrange to provide both earmuffs and face masks as needed. In addition, volunteers are learning about maintaining the equipment, including fuel and oil needs, greasing and the sharpening of knives.

The purchase of the $2000 machine was facilitated by donations from community members who recognized the need and the potential benefits of using this portable chipper. “Before the chipper we either broke branches by hand, or by large pruners, reciprocating saws or carried them out to a trailer for transport to the corral for burning,” says Warren. “I am so pleased that DPI volunteers have stepped up to address the daunting and imposing burden of removing the enormous fire risk of tamarisk infestations at our doorstep. Our growing family of volunteers understand firsthand what this means.” And “Chip” is making a big difference in moving toward that goal.