Forest Service Signs Decision for Pierson Park Fuel Break Project

FORT COLLINS, Colo. (July 13, 2023) – The Canyon Lakes Ranger District of the Roosevelt National Forest completed the 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.

Project information, including the decision and maps, is available online. As described in the decision, mitigation work, including mechanical treatments and prescribed fire, will primarily occur along Pierson Park Road, Johnny Park Road and several other Forest Service road segments in the U.S. 36 corridor not to exceed 3,000 acres.

The Pierson Park Fuel Break Project is 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. Implementation, including road maintenance could begin as soon as this summer and will take several years to fully implement.

The Forest appreciates everyone who attended public meetings for the project and provided thoughtful feedback during the scoping process.