Staff of Aroostook and Moosehorn National Wildlife Refuges recently cleared 30 acres of trees along the Loring Development Authority (LDA) runway which borders the refuge.  The project was accomplished by using the Northeast Region's Hydro-Ax, a machine designed to clear trees and vegetation.   Elimination of the trees will reduce wildfire fuels, define the refuge boundary and identify unknown dump sites. 

The staff is continually finding old 55 gallon  drums that potentially contain hazardous materials.  A snowmobile trail was also enhanced and this will allow snowmobiles to go around the refuge onto the LDA property.  Kirk Cote, Equipment Engineering Operator, used this opportunity to certify refuge maintenance and firefighting staff on the operation of the Hydro-Ax.