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 primary 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 and Forest Service facilities throughout the South Platte Ranger District;
• Public Recreation Facilities. 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 proposed project areas addressed in this specific proposal are those which have not already been addressed in other planning documents. Treatments in areas that have prior decisions will continue as time and budget allows. Treatments under this proposal 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; using prescribed fire to reduce natural and activity fuels; restoration of ranch range (removal/eradication of weeds/invasive species and planting of appropriate native grasses/plants); construction of new fences and reconstruction of old fences. Vegetation cut from the fuels reduction project areas would be sold or disposed of in accordance with approved permitting or contracting procedures.

A decision is anticipated in the spring of 2006 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 Jan. 4, 2006. Comments should be directed to: Randy Hickenbottom, District Ranger, South Platte Ranger District, 19316 Goddard Ranch Court, Morrison, CO 80465.