MORRISON, CO … The USDA Forest Service is accepting comments on three separate project proposals to conduct hazardous fuels reduction treatments in and around recreation and work center facilities within the South Platte Ranger District of the Pike National Forest, and within the bounds of Douglas, Jefferson and Park counties. The purpose of each of these fuels treatment project proposals is to reduce the likelihood and intensity of a crown fire. The facilities impacted by the three fuels reduction project proposals include:

• Work Centers. Fuels reduction treatments for this proposal would occur on up to approximately 1000 acres and be located in and around work centers throughout the South Platte Ranger District;
• Public Recreation Facililties. Fuels reduction treatments for this proposal would occur on up to approximately 1000 acres within and adjacent to campgrounds, parking lots, trailheads and picnic areas which are located throughout the South Platte Ranger District area; and
• Permitted Recreation Residences. Fuels reduction treatments for this proposal would occur on up to approximately 1000 acres surrounding and adjacent to Forest Service Permitted Recreation Residences throughout the South Platte Ranger District of the Pike National Forest. The impacted residences addressed in this specific proposal are those which have not already been addressed in the Upper South Platte Watershed Protection & Restoration Project, though treatments will occur around the latter Recreation Residences as well.

Treatments would include thinning and pruning of understory and overstory trees to remove ladder fuels and reduce canopy closure while retaining most of the larger live trees and promoting aspen stands. Mechanical treatments and prescribed fire will be used to treat slash and maintain the benefits of treatments in future years.

A decision is anticipated in the spring of 2005 following biological and cultural surveys and the completion of all necessary evaluations. Questions may be directed to Fred Patten at 303-275-5641. Comments on the three proposals will be accepted until Mar. 21, 2005. Comments should be directed to: Randy Hickenbottom, District Ranger, South Platte Ranger District, 19316 Goddard Ranch Court, Morrison, CO 80465