Town of Mammoth Lakes Responds to Unpermitted Tree Removal Over Memorial Day Weekend

Town of Mammoth Lakes Responds to Unpermitted Tree Removal Over Memorial Day Weekend

Over the Memorial Day Weekend, the Mammoth Lakes Police Department was dispatched to Laurel Mountain Road on Sunday, May 26 to respond to a tree that had fallen onto a power line. The incident resulted in widespread power outages that lasted over 24 hours. The loss of power significantly impacted residents, businesses, and visitors over the busy holiday weekend.

The Town of Mammoth Lakes continues to investigate the incident and expects to pursue criminal charges and civil penalties as appropriate based on the outcome of the investigation. The Town can confirm that the activity was not approved nor permitted by the Town of Mammoth Lakes Community & Economic Development Department.

Section 17.37.140 of the Town of Mammoth Lakes Municipal Code regulates tree removal. Healthy trees with a “Diameter at Breast Height” (DBH) greater than 12 inches are not permitted to be removed without specified and validated reasons and inspection by the Town and on occasion, an additional review and inspection by a qualified arborist. The Town’s regulations are designed to protect and to regulate the removal of certain trees, based on the important environmental, aesthetic and health benefits that trees provide to the Mammoth Lakes community.

These benefits include, but are not limited to, enhancement of the character and beauty of the community as a “Village in the Trees,” protection of property values, provision of wildlife habitat, reduction of soil erosion, noise buffering, wind protection, and visual screening for development. The Town encourages residents and contractors to contact the Town with any questions regarding tree removal.

A Tree Removal Permit application can be obtained from the Town Office (437 Old Mammoth Road, Suite 230) for a fee of $10. All tree removal work requires a permit to be issued by the Town of Mammoth Lakes prior to the removal of any trees, and the hiring of licensed and professional tree removal contractors is highly recommended.

The Town would like to thank the Mammoth Lakes Police Department, Mammoth Lakes Fire Protection District, Southern California Edison and the Town’s Public Works Department for their rapid response to this incident.

Please direct all questions regarding this incident to the Community & Economic Development Department.

News Staff