VIDEO: Removing dead or dying trees from steep mountain slopes can be a time-consuming and dangerous job, but new technology is making the process easier and safer on the north slope of Pikes Peak.
Colorado Springs Utilities has hired an Oregon company to use two pieces of state-of-the art machinery that will remove trees from 35 acres above North Catamount Reservoir.
The company, Miller Timber Services, is using computerized technology that was created in Finland and has been commonly used in Europe for more than a decade but is just starting to catch on in the U.S.
Miller uses a large truck's mechanical arm to efficiently, safely and quickly cut down trees, and remove limbs and branches all in one motion. The machine works on slopes that can be challenging or impossible for other harvesting equipment.