Rocky Mountain National Park Announces Winter 2009/2010 Pile Burning Operations
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Contact: Kyle Patterson, Public Information Officer, 970-586-1363 Contact: Doug Watry, Subject Contact, 970-586-1211
Fire managers from Rocky Mountain National Park plan to take advantage of any upcoming wet or winter weather conditions to burn piles of slash from several forest thinning and hazard tree mitigation projects. Exclusion of fire for the past century has resulted in unnatural forest conditions in some areas, with significant accumulations of forest fuels and an increased risk of a wildfire. In addition, park crews have been cutting hazard trees for mitigation of the effects of beetles. Slash from these projects has been cut and piled by park fire crews and contractors during the last two years. Pile burning operations may began as early as September 25 and continue through April as weather permits. The piles, which are now dry enough to burn, are located in a variety of locations on both the east and west sides of the park. Safety factors, weather conditions, air quality and environmental regulations are continually monitored as a part of any fire management operation. For more information please contact the park’s information office at 970-586-1206. |
Did You Know?
There are accessible trails which are good choices for visitors interested in adjusting to the park's higher elevations, groups that include young children, visitors with visual impairment and anyone who finds walking on level, relatively smooth paths attractive.