Latest News – November 25

Take a Hike: Black Friday’s FREE “Park” Option

If you’re looking to avoid the crowds and hold-off on shopping until another day, why not take advantage of all state parks waiving their entrance fees!? With lots of Colorado State Parks to choose from celebrate Black Friday in a different way: Take a Hike! CLICK to connect. Please note that guests are reminded that activities like fishing and camping will still require a valid license and permit.

Christmas Tree Permits Now Available in Leadville

The U.S. Forest Service, San Isabel National Forest – Leadville Ranger District will sell Christmas tree cutting permits from November 21 through December 23.The permits are $10 each with a limit of two per family.

Take your pick – at $10 a tree, the price is right!

Foresters recommend the cutting areas in Lake County around Turquoise Lake Road (Lake County Road 9) and along Lake County Road 48 just to the southwest of Sugar Loafin’ Campground. County Road 9 is not plowed but may be accessed by snowshoeing, skiing, or snowmobiling. County Road 48 is plowed for easier vehicle access. A map showing approved cutting areas is issued with each permit. Permits will also be valid for the Salida Ranger District.

Trees may be cut District-wide with a few exceptions. Areas closed to cutting include: all Leadville District campgrounds; Holy Cross, Collegiate Peaks, Mt. Massive, and Buffalo Peaks Wilderness Areas; and Tennessee Pass.

Permits can be purchased with cash, personal check, or money order made payable to the “U.S.  Forest Service” at the Leadville Ranger District Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Permits are available in advance by mail. Send a check or money order to: U.S. Forest Service, 810 Front Street, Leadville, CO 80461. Permits will be sent out the week of November 21.

For more information, please contact the Leadville Ranger District at: (719) 486-0749. More information can be found: HERE. 

Slash Pile Burns Begin South of Leadville

In other outdoor news . . . The U.S. Forest Service – Salida and Leadville Ranger Districts are preparing for slash pile prescribed burn projects in Chaffee and Lake Counties.  The projects involve burning slash piles in November and December 2016. 

Weather conditions may affect the dates for ignition and fire personnel will monitor conditions to determine if ignition should take place. Smoke may be present for several days after the piles have been ignited.  Fire personnel will monitor the piles until the fire is completely out.

Prescribed burns like this one on Basalt Mountain, are often conducted to reduce the forest’s fuel content. Photo courtesy Bruce Gordon/EcoFlight.

The most effective method for removing slash piles is by igniting them when weather and conditions are conducive for burning, yet surrounding vegetation is less likely to spread from airborne sparks. For this reason, having snow on the ground is important for a successful burn.  The piles consist of woody debris from thinning or logging projects which removed hazardous fuels on U.S. Forest Service lands.  Burning these piles will further reduce the hazardous fuel buildup in these areas. 

General areas for slash pile burning in Lake County will be out at Flume Creek, South of the Tinw Lakes Reservoir and approxiamtely 15 miles south of Leadville. For more informationcontact the Leadville Ranger District at 719-486-0749.