Community Digest » Arapaho and Roosevelt Nat’l Forests news

Arapaho and Roosevelt Nat’l Forests news

Posted on: April 13th, 2024

Arapaho and Roosevelt National Forests

News from the Fire Front

Frost and flame go hand in hand

As the first buds of spring start to emerge down here on the flatlands, the Arapaho and Roosevelt National Forests are shifting from pile burning to broadcast burning – both different kinds of prescribed, or planned, fire. But before we go, we wanted to highlight the incredible accomplishments of our fire and prevention crews this winter. With the help of partners, they burned more than 34,000 piles of woody slash and debris this winter. What’s the big deal about burning 34,000 piles? Well, it’s almost DOUBLE what we burned last year and about 20 times what was reported for 2022. Check out our feature story Fire in Winter to learn more about the forest’s pile burning program and how it plays into our bigger efforts. Over the next few weeks work could begin on the Forsythe II Prescribed Burn near Gross reservoir and the Magic Feather Prescribed Burn near Red Feather Lakes.

Photo from pile burning on a Forsythe II Unit on the Arapaho and Roosevelt National Forests from Jan. 2024. Photo credit: USDA Forest Service

Learn more about our projects

Throughout the year we work with our community-based partners to provide opportunities for the public to learn more about the work we are planning and implementing across the Front Range. From prescribed fire field trips like this one with Boulder Watershed Collective and Coalition for the Poudre River Watershed to webinars, seminars and events, there are many ways to get involved. Find your your community organization through the Northern Colorado Fireshed Collaborative Home Page below or the directory of resources provided by Colorado Informed.

Cooperators, terrain help contain unplanned Moose Fire during April windstorm

Last weekend’s windstorm caused a small wildfire on the Roosevelt National Forest that could have turned into a much bigger fire if it hadn’t been for the quick work of first responders and some serendipity with terrain. “We didn’t just dodge a bullet, we dodged a cannon ball,” USDA Forest Service Fire Management Officer Cody Peel said. Read More about the Moose Fire.

We want your feedback! Did you find our weekly prescribed fire newsletters useful this winter? Do you have any suggestions for how we can improve them next year?

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