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BLM approves King Mountain fuels reduction, timber sale project

Colorado
Upper Colorado River DO
Colorado River Valley FO
Media Contact
Project Contact: Jacob Casey
970-876-9000
BLM Office:
Colorado River Valley Field Office
BLM staff member assesses vegetation debris in a forested area of King Mountain from horseback.
A BLM Colorado staff member assesses the amount of fallen tree limbs and vegetation debris in a forested area of King Mountain from horseback. Dead and overgrown vegetation can increase the risk of wildfire spread and damage. BLM fire managers and range specialists routinely scout areas to consider for future fuels management or reduction projects. Implementing these projects offers many benefits to include improving firefighter and public safety and reducing wildfire risk to infrastructure and public and private lands. (BLM photo by Kristy Wallner)

 

SILT, Colo. – The Bureau of Land Management’s Colorado River Valley Field Office is moving forward with a plan to reduce wildfire risk, improve forest health, and offer suitable timber for sale. The work will cover nearly 5,500 acres near King Mountain and may begin in summer or fall 2026.

“As we get ready to put this project into action, we’re looking forward to creating conditions to help slow future wildfires,” said U.S. Wildland Fire Service Fuels Specialist Chad Sewell. “The work we’re doing out here will make a noticeable difference on the ground and help keep this ecosystem strong for years to come.”

 

Expected Benefits:

  • Improved safety for firefighters and the public
  • Reduced wildfire risk to recreation areas, infrastructure, and nearby communities
  • Healthier habitat for wildlife and better recreation experiences
  • Safer and easier-to-use foot and horse trails after clearing away fallen branches and dead trees
  • Better livestock distribution, easing pressure on nearby Greater Sage‑Grouse habitat

The BLM will partner with the Colorado State Forest Service under the Good Neighbor Authority to sell appropriate timber as commercial products. This collaboration will help BLM reduce wildfire risk while supporting local industries and strengthening local economies. The authority, approved by Congress, allows BLM to enter an agreement with the state to perform forest, rangeland and watershed restoration work. The state will retain any funds from timber sales under the agreement for use on additional GNA projects. 

“We’re excited to team up with our partners on a project that benefits the community and the landscape,” said CRVFO Field Manager Lisa Dawson. “Selling the timber we remove reduces waste and helps support local mills and the people who work there.”

 

Public Impact

At various times throughout the project, the public may notice: 

  • Logging or other large equipment present at project sites.
  • Noise, dust or smoke around the project area.
  • Limited or restricted access to trails or designated areas during active operations. (The BLM will notify the public of any temporary detours or closures.)

Find more details about the King Mountain Forest Health project in the final environmental assessment online. For more information, contact the Colorado River Valley Field Office via email or phone at 970-876-9000.

 

Topographic map that identifies the area near King Mountain approved for a forest health and hazard fuel reduction project.
MAP: Topographical map of the area near King Mountain that the Colorado River Valley Field Office will conduct a forest health and hazard fuel reduction project. The project is slated to begin in summer or fall 2026.
Related Files

The BLM manages about 245 million acres of public land located primarily in 12 western states, including Alaska, on behalf of the American people. The BLM also administers 700 million acres of sub-surface mineral estate throughout the nation. Our mission is to sustain the health, diversity, and productivity of America’s public lands for the use and enjoyment of present and future generations.