Board approves special-use permit with U.S. Forest Service to allow county fire mitigation on national forest right-of-way

The Gilpin County Board of County Commissioners voted 3-0 on Aug. 12 to execute a U.S. Forest Service special-use permit allowing targeted fire-mitigation work along county roadways that intersect National Forest System lands.

County manager Ray Rears explained the permit uses authorities under the Organic Administration Act of June 4, 1897, to grant limited, time-bound permission for mitigation activities where county roadways cross federal lands. The county intends to have Timberline Fire and county crews use the permit to perform roadside hazard reduction and other mitigation projects that had previously required lengthy environmental and permitting studies.

Rangers from the Clear Creek Ranger District and Timberline fire representatives had identified potential areas on a map attached to the permit application. Rears told commissioners the permit’s scope is limited in geography and duration and that the Forest Service and Timberline worked quickly to create a streamlined process to address roadside fuels. County attorney Reitzel said he had reviewed the permit at a high level and had no specific legal concerns; the county attorney noted the permit is limited in scope and duration.

Commissioners instructed staff to execute the permit so work could begin promptly; the county attorney noted the permit term would expire at year-end and that acting quickly was necessary to avoid missing the mitigation season. The board’s motion to execute the permit passed unanimously.

No additional county budget appropriation was approved as part of the motion; Rears said Timberline and the county would use existing funds allocated for mitigation work and coordination with the Forest Service.