U.S. Forest Service details fuel-break and mitigation work near Panadero and Trinchera Road

A U.S. Forest Service representative briefed the Huerfano County Board of County Commissioners on Feb. 11 about ongoing wildfire mitigation and recreation-management work in the county, including fuel-break construction near Trinchera Road and the Panadero area.

The representative said the Blue and Bear Lake campgrounds reopened for a regular season last July and that the Forest Service is preparing a solicitation for a contractor to construct a fuel break on Trinchera Road. The planned work includes restoring the original road bed, creating a 250-foot-wide treatment that in some sections will be narrowed to a 100-foot-wide (50 feet on either side of the road) fuel break across green timber and windthrow areas, and connecting the work to existing treatments toward Bear Lake and downhill toward the highway.

The Forest Service told the commissioners it expects the solicitation to be released within about a month and that, if a contractor is selected, earthwork could begin this summer when the ground is operable. The agency also said it will issue temporary closures and use barricades during heavy-equipment operations for public safety. “When we do have the contractor up there to start working, we will put a forced closure order into place because people in heavy machinery don't generally mix very well,” the representative said.

Other items noted by the Forest Service - North Panadero project: A separate 140-acre project near a homeowners association by the ski area is roughly 80% complete but work was paused by deep snow; crews are expected to resume in spring. - Pile burning: The agency reported active pile burning this winter and said fewer than 10 piles remain in some units; officials said heavy snow may limit pile burning until spring in some areas. - Partnerships and funding: The Forest Service cited cooperation with the Colorado State Forest Service, Spanish Peaks Alliance and local homeowners associations and noted grant-funded mitigation positions and projects administered through partners. - Recreation permits: The Forest Service said it is processing special-use applications for recreation events; the application deadline was Feb. 15 and staff will complete environmental analysis as required.

Who spoke and next steps The presentation was made by a U.S. Forest Service representative; county commissioners and staff asked clarifying questions about locations and timing. The Forest Service representative asked partners to spread the word about temporary closures for public safety and said they will provide about 30 days’ notice before closures when possible. The agency will release the solicitation and post closure notices on its usual channels when work is scheduled.