Forest Service Hosts Public Meetings for Pierson Park Fuel Break Project

FORT COLLINS, Colo. – The Canyon Lakes Ranger District of the Roosevelt National Forest is starting analysis on the Pierson Park Fuel Break Project, located south of Estes Park, Colo. Part of the overall strategy to confront the wildfire crisis along Colorado’s Front Range, this project aims to address overgrown and hazardous forest conditions along key National Forest ingress and egress roads.

The public is invited to join Canyon Lakes staff at one of two public meetings providing details on the project. An in-person open house will take place on February 21, 2023, at the Estes Valley Community Center Bighorn Room, 660 Community Drive, Estes Park, from 6:30 to 8 p.m. On February 23, staff will host a virtual meeting from 6 to 7 p.m.

Join the meeting Microsoft Teams Meeting ID: 259 485 227 80 Passcode: dBVWfv

Or call in (audio only) +1 970-812-0909, 323759862#

Strategically located between two watershed-scale forest health projects being planned, this project would serve as a critical link to allow firefighters to manage and contain fires in the area more effectively. Well-designed and well-managed fuel breaks help lessen the severity of fire while reducing the risk to critical infrastructure and communities.

Mitigation work, including mechanical treatments and prescribed fire, would primarily occur along Pierson Park Road, Johnny Park Road and several other Forest Service road segments in the U.S. 36 corridor. Detailed project scoping information and area map are online at https://www.fs.usda.gov/project/?project=63489&exp=overview. You can also provide feedback on this proposed project from this site.