Contractors are expected to begin work this month on forest health projects on the Roosevelt National Forest near Magnolia Road and Gross Reservoir. This work is designed to reduce existing fuel loading and increase the diversity of vegetation across the landscape, encouraging a healthier, more resilient forest.

The projects involve thinning densely forested areas to improve the forests’ resiliency to wildfire and selective tree cutting to increase diversity in the age, size, and species of trees across the landscape. Diversity helps make forests more resilient to disease and insect infestations and helps reduce the spread and intensity of wildfires.

Forsythe II Project: Phase 3

There are two general locations where work will be completed. The first area is located on the north side of Magnolia Road, approximately two miles east of the intersection of Hwy 119 (Peak to Peak Hwy) and Magnolia Road. The second area is approximately one mile southeast of the gate at the end of Lazy Z Road. The total project area includes 267 acres.

For these treatments, a variety of mixed conifer, lodgepole pine, and aspen stands have been selected to promote landscape diversity, forest health, and wildlife habitat. Mixed conifer species will be cut with chainsaws and mitigated vegetation will be hand piled with some of the larger material retained and scattered. Piled material intended to be burned will need to cure on site for at least one year. Once work begins, crews are expected to be on site for several weeks, working between the hours of 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Saturday. The treatments for the Forsythe II Phase 3 were analyzed in the Forsythe II Project Environmental Assessment (2017).

Misery Project Update

Mechanical work is still being completed in the 288-acre Misery project located near the Pickle Gulch and Cold Springs campgrounds in Gilpin County. Mechanical work will begin in the next few weeks in Boulder County near the intersection of Peak to Peak Highway and Gilpin Road. See more Misery Project information.

To receive updates about Boulder and Clear Creek Ranger Districts happenings, email katherine.armstrong@usda.gov.