Town of Buena Vista Tree Mitigation
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Arborist Begins Tree Inventory in Buena Vista
A First Step Toward a Balanced Approach of Safety, Reliability, Wildfire Prevention, and Preservation
September 29, 2025 – In the coming weeks, a professional arborist contracted by Sangre de Cristo Electric Association (SDCEA) will be conducting a detailed inventory of trees near primary (higher voltage) lines in Buena Vista. It’s important to note that primary voltage lines represent only a portion of the overhead lines in town, not all.
The inventory is a first step to help the cooperative develop a vegetation management plan that prioritizes public safety, reliability, wildfire mitigation, and the overall preservation of the town’s tree canopy and natural beauty.
“This is a thoughtful first step in a balanced approach to help preserve the quality of life that makes Buena Vista special,” said Jon Beyer, SDCEA CEO.
The process will involve mapping trees near primary lines. Once the inventory is complete, prior to any action on potential mitigation taking place, SDCEA will compare findings to Town of Buena Vista tree mapping software and draft a vegetation management plan for review by the Town Administrator, Buena Vista Board of Trustees and residents. Any potential actions involving trees or vegetation on private property will be coordinated directly with property owners.
“We understand residents may have concerns about tree removal,” Beyer added. “First, we need to take an inventory of the vegetation posing hazards near our power lines. Then, we will compare what we find with what the Town of Buena Vista has already mapped. At that point, we will develop a mitigation plan for review. Our approach is to focus on what is necessary. We won’t be taking a ‘clear-cut’ approach. Our goal is to ensure safety and reliability of the electrical system, with a desire to preserve as many of Buena Vista’s trees as is possible.”
SDCEA is obligated to remove or trim trees that could endanger public safety and system reliability. While addressing this responsibility, the cooperative is dedicated to safeguarding Buena Vista’s scenic charm and ensuring transparency during the mitigation process.
“Tree mitigation in Buena Vista is unique compared to other areas in our service territory. The town’s proximity to our office, where our line crews are based, allows for quicker response times to issues. Additionally, its location near emergency responders with access to infrastructure like hydrants further strengthens emergency response capabilities. These factors will be carefully considered in our planning process.” Beyer said.
For more information about the tree inventory and SDCEA’s commitment to safety and preservation in Buena Vista, please continue to check in on this page or email: info@myelectric.coop or call (719) 395-2412.
Q&A: Tree Inventory in Buena Vista
Buena Vista Tree
To accurately identify trees that pose a hazard to the safety and reliability of the distribution lines within the city limits of Buena Vista.
The project focuses only on primary voltage lines, which are a portion of the overhead lines in town. Not all visible lines are power lines; some belong to phone or cable providers. Many electric lines in town are not primary voltage lines. Trees will be mapped by the arborist, then compared to mapping conducted previously by the town. This is to ensure a thorough and thoughtful evaluation process.
SDCEA is legally required to remove or trim trees if they could contact electric lines or pose a safety risk. SDCEA is dedicated to preserving Buena Vista’s overall tree canopy and natural beauty while addressing this responsibility. Tree mitigation in Buena Vista differs from other parts of our service territory due to its close proximity to our office, where our line crews are stationed. Additionally, it is near emergency response crews and equipped with infrastructure like hydrants, which enhances emergency response capabilities. Our goal is to prioritize public safety while preserving as many trees as possible. This is not a massive “clear-cut” operation but a preservation-focused effort, with findings reviewed by the Buena Vista Town Administrator and Town Trustees.
Findings from the inventory will be compared with the Town of Buena Vista’s tree mapping software to draft a vegetation management plan. This plan will be reviewed by the Town Administrator and Board of Trustees. Property owners will be notified and consulted before any actions are taken on private property.
SDCEA will provide updates and details about the project on this page, myelectric.coop. Members with questions can also call the office at (719) 395-2412.
