Answers to these questions are provided by residents who are not attorneys or government officials. All answers are subject to confirmation through official or other authoritative sources.
Bark beetles are a real threat to the health of the Ponderosa pine trees in Forest Lakes. For details on these beetles and the harm they cause, see Heber-Overgaard Fire District’s bark beetle information at http://azalert.com/hofd/divisions-services/community-education/bark-beetle-information/.
Infested trees may be recognized at a distance by fading foliage high in the tree, initially a light green, changing to a light straw color in a few weeks, and eventually to yellowish-brown. Close inspection may show a fine reddish-brown boring dust in bark cervices and at the base of the tree. Small pitch tubes, or globules of pitch may be seen on the tree trunk.
According to the US Forest Service, “There are several methods that may help protect high-value trees on private property from beetle infestation, but landowners need to be aware that there are so many variables that influence beetle infestation, that treatment to these trees should be considered on a case-by-case basis. … There is nothing that can be done to save a tree after it has been successfully attacked by bark beetles and infected with the blue-stain fungus. If the goal is to kill the beetles under the bark, then infested trees must be cut-down.” See https://www.fs.usda.gov/detail/coconino/landmanagement/resourcemanagement/?cid=stelprdb5351278
The most effective way to protect uninfected trees is to make sure they are not crowded and they have plenty of water so that they are healthy enough to fight off beetle damage on their own. High-value individual trees can be protected by annual applications of a preventive insecticide. Carbaryl and permetherin-based insecticides are specifically labeled for this purpose, but carbaryl is the preferred material because it provides longer protection. Typical home and garden insecticides should not be used. The entire surface of the trunk and large limbs must be sprayed all the way to within a few feet of the top. Additional detail is available at http://ipm.ucanr.edu/PMG/PESTNOTES/pn7421.html.
For additional information see https://agriculture.az.gov/pestspest-control/agriculture-pests/bark-beetles.
FLFD and the Forest Lakes Owners Association have established an agreement with Black Mesa Ranger District to operate a Green Waste Transfer Station adjacent to our community on Forest Road 99A.
More information is available at https://floa.club/green-waste-transfer
Most residents use Dish or DirecTV satellite services for TV. It may be possible to receive some "local" (Flagstaff) channels with a large amplified antenna system, but the small digital TV antennas are not adequate. Simon Dickinson has recommended this useful website: DTVGOVMAPS.COM
Forest Lakes residential lots are zoned Agricultural Residential (AR). This zone is intended to designate areas of the County for low-density residential use on minimum Lot sizes of one (1) acre where those light agricultural activities can be conducted which are related to rural family living and pursuits. A few lots are zoned Commercial or Multi-Family.
Allowable lot uses, required setbacks, and other zoning details are in the Coconino County Zoning Ordinance, available at http://coconino.az.gov/622/Planning-and-Zoning.
There is no Home Owners Association. The Forest Lakes Owners Association is a voluntary “club” of residents. Dues are $30 per year. See https://floa.club/
CC&R’s were in place when the subdivision was initiated. However, they are currently not in play as there is no enforcing entity. County rules and regulations are now the only legal requirements.
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