January 31, 2024 |
Photo – Aspen Alley – Courtesy aranchmom.com
County officials tell residents not to worry about magnesium chloride affecting the trees along Aspen Alley.
Speaking at the January 17th Board of Carbon County Commissioners meeting, Road and Bridge Superintendent Kandis Fritz said property owners have expressed concern about magnesium chloride, or mag chloride, harming the aspen trees along the scenic drive. Fritz said the county has the right to apply the chemical and will continue to do so unless enough residents object or the board instructs her to stop.
Aspen Alley is a scenic location on Sage Creek Road in the Sierra Madre Mountains where tall aspen trees line the road.
Commissioner John Espy said he supports the use of magnesium chloride through Aspen Alley. The chemical is used to keep dust down on the dirt road. Commissioner Garrett Irene said Fritz should keep using mag chloride until the required 51% of landowners demand she cease the chemical application.
Commissioner John Johnson asked Fritz if studies on magnesium chloride usage showed a negative effect on aspen trees. Fritz said the chemical is considered entirely safe. The road and bridge superintendent said mag chloride has not killed any plants along the county’s treated roads.
The board instructed Fritz to continue applying magnesium chloride to Sage Creek Road.
