Breckenridge gets tough on beetles, continued

“I don’t think it’s a huge departure from what other people have done,” said Breckenridge spokesperson Kim DiLallo, referring to similar laws in effect throughout Summit County.

“I don’t think people don’t intend to not comply. But second-home owners don’t always understand the environmental impacts of pine beetles and noxious weeds,” DiLallo continued. “Council felt it was important to adopt a new ordinance that would allow us to address this public nuisance in a timely manner.”

DiLallo explained that it is the responsibility of property owners to get rid of nuisance trees. But the new law enables the town to step in in cases where the infested trees are close to critical areas, where a lack of treatment could hasten the nearly inevitable spread of the insects.

The ordinance also establishes charges that property owners could face for ignoring infested trees on their property, and outlines notification requirements and an abatement timeline. Under the law, owners can be charged twiceof tree removal if the town has to step in and do the work.