Forest Service Seeks Comment on Fuel Reduction Plan Adjacent to Vail

The White River National Forest seeks public comment on its proposal to reduce hazardous fuels for wildfires on more than 3,000 acres adjacent to the Town of Vail.

The Booth Creek Fuels Reduction Project would use a combination of prescribed fire, mechanical treatments and hand treatments to reduce the fuel loads on National Forest System lands primarily north of Interstate 70.

The project is part of a coordinated effort with Vail Fire & Emergency Services to reduce fire risk and improve firefighter safety within the Town of Vail wildland urban interface. It would implement treatments in areas of concern identified in the 2020 Vail Community Wildfire Protection Plan.

“The fuel loads in this area have built up for more than century due to lack of wildfire combined with dead and downed trees from insects and disease,” said Eagle-Holy Cross District Ranger Leanne Veldhuis. “The fuel reduction work we are proposing would help reduce the risk of wildfire to the Town of Vail and give firefighters space to more effectively engage a future wildfire.”

To be effective at reducing fuel loads adjacent to the Town of Vail, the project area includes the Eagles Nest Wilderness and three Colorado Roadless Areas. No temporary or permanent access roads would be constructed throughout the project area. The use of motorized vehicles would be avoided as much as possible within designated wilderness, although aerial ignition by helicopter or unmanned aircraft may be used in some circumstances such as rugged terrain, where it would be more effective and reduce risk to firefighters.

The Forest Service is hosting a public meeting to provide additional information and answer questions from 5 to 7 p.m. on April 6 at the Grand View on the third level of the Vail Welcome Center in Lionshead. More information, including maps and how to comment, is available at fs.usda.gov/project/?project=61657. Comments need to be received by May 3.