< All Public Input & Actions

BLM proposes project to reduce wildfire risk, improve forest health

Colorado
Upper Colorado River DO
Colorado River Valley FO
Media Contact
Heather S. Marsh, DOI/BLM Public Affairs
970-852-9272
BLM Office:
Colorado River Valley Field Office

SILT, Colo. – The Bureau of Land Management is seeking public input on a proposal to treat vegetation on about 5,000 acres of public land in the King Mountain area of Routt County.

The Colorado River Valley Field Office intends to reduce wildfire risk and improve forest health by removing hazardous trees and thinning overgrown areas. Proposed treatment methods include:

  • Traditional ground-based logging methods.
  • Hand cutting techniques to remove dead or damaged trees and thin trees in crowded areas.
  • Chipping, chopping or piling and burning to remove excess vegetation and leftover cut tree materials.

“In the King Mountain area, years of drought, warmer temperatures and past fire suppression have stressed forests,” said Upper Colorado River Interagency Fire Management Unit Fuels Specialist Chad Sewell. “Our project will create clear areas to help slow wildfires and reduce burnable material.”

Benefits include:

  • Improved firefighter and public safety
  • Reduced wildfire risk to infrastructure and private lands
  • Enhanced wildlife habitat and watershed function
  • Clearing designated foot and horse trails of dead and down debris
  • Better livestock distribution, reducing pressure on Greater Sage-Grouse habitat

The BLM will work with the Colorado State Forest Service under the Good Neighbor Authority to sell trees as commercial forest products. If BLM uses prescribed burning to treat piles, they will do so later when conditions are safe. If approved, work could begin in late spring or summer 2026.

“We encourage the public to take part in this process,” said CRVFO Field Manager Lisa Dawson. “Community input helps us identify ideas and concerns that shape how we manage public lands.”

Public Input Opportunities

A public comment period is open today through March 8. Project details and a map are available at the BLM national NEPA Register. BLM encourages members of the public to use the “Participate Now” option on the NEPA Register webpage to submit comments.

BLM will host a public meeting 5 to 7 p.m. Feb. 25 at the Toponas Meeting Hall located at 9960 Highway 131 in Toponas, Colorado.

For more information, contact the Colorado River Valley Field Office via email or phone at 970-876-900.

 

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)

 

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.