BLM plans to conduct Healthy Forests project

GRAND JUNCTION, CO – A Decision Record is being issued on the Environmental Assessment analyzing a Forest Health and Ecosystem Restoration fuels reduction project proposed by the Bureau of Land Management Grand Junction Field Office. The BLM is partnering with Colorado State Forest Service to remove individual trees killed by Douglas-fir bark beetles and reduce overstocked trees in forest stands on Horse Ridge in the Carr Creek area. The targeted area is roughly 25 miles northwest of De Beque in rugged, steep terrain. Implementation will begin in fall 2006 with work likely continuing to 2009.

“We can accomplish a number of things by removing the bark beetle-killed trees,” BLM Forester Dave Stevens said. “These kinds of projects can help reduce the risk of catastrophic wildfires while restoring forest and rangeland health at the same time.”

Following both the Healthy Forests Initiative and the Healthy Forests Restoration Act, approximately 475 acres of public land administered by BLM and an additional 240 acres on adjacent private property would benefit from the project. The Secretaries of Agriculture and the Interior, through the National Fire Plan, have directed BLM to manage fire and resources together to protect people, natural resources and property, and to restore forest, wildlife and rangeland health.

The Carr Creek Forest Health and Ecosystem Restoration Project EA (CO-130-2005-091-EA) and the Decision Record can be viewed at the BLM Grand Junction Field Office, at 2815 H Rd., in Grand Junction. For additional information, contact BLM Forester Dave Stevens at (970) 244-3009.

-BLM-

Editor’s Note: Map of area available upon request.