| InciWeb

The Blue Ridge Salvage and Fuels Reduction Project is part of the Forest Service’s on-going effort to improve forest health conditions on the Sulphur Ranger District. Blue Ridge is the geographic feature that runs North-South from Granby to Fraser, between the East Troublesome, Church Park and Williams Fork fires. Improving conditions in this area is a key component of the Hot Sulphur, Fraser and Grand County Community Wildfire Protection Plans.

Much of the adjacent private land is developed or proposed for development. In addition, the adjacent private land contains large ranches and the YMCA of the Rockies’ Snow Mountain Ranch. The project area and the adjacent private land experienced a mountain pine beetle epidemic about a decade ago. As a result, the majority of the mature lodgepole pine trees within this area have been killed, both on and off the National Forest.

The prescribed burning portion of the decision includes approximately 11,652 acres to be treated using prescribed burning. Prescribed burning includes burning in shrub lands and aspen to rejuvenate these habitat types; and burning stands of beetle-killed lodgepole pine to accelerate regeneration, reduce hazardous fuels, and improve wildlife habitat.

The prescribed burning treatments would be implemented over several years, with the amount treated per year dependent on weather and available resources and generally being between 100 and 2,000 acres per year. Acres treated per year would vary depending on ground conditions at the time of implementation. Close coordination will occur with Grand County and Hot Sulphur Springs to reduce impacts of smoke on the town and individuals sensitive to smoke. Prior to implementing prescribed fire the Forest Service will also coordinate and review implementation procedures with the County and Town.