Forest Service outlines 3,000-acre Bald Mountain fuels and beetle‑mortality project

San Isabel National Forest staff described a Bald Mountain fuels‑management project intended to reduce wildfire risk and remove dead and dying trees affected by insect outbreaks.

Lisa Corbin, who introduced herself as the timber program manager for the San Isabel (Speaker 2), said the project — roughly 3,000 acres west of Buena Vista including portions near the Colorado Trail and Cottonwood drainage — would use both mechanical treatments and prescribed fire to address mortality from the Douglas‑fir beetle and spruce budworm. Corbin said the team plans public scoping now, aims to complete analysis in winter, and hopes for a spring decision (the staff used the transcript term now-ending acronym 'FANUC' to refer to a finding of applicability/no extraordinary circumstances). Heritage surveys would be done in summer, and implementation could begin in 2027.

Corbin warned some work will push near roadless areas and that regional exemptions will be sought where the project abuts private lands. She described use of temporary roads and coordination with private landowners and the state to secure access.

Board members asked about recreation access and closures. Corbin said crews would avoid widespread closures where possible, using flaggers and limited short closures for burning operations; mechanical harvesting would be limited to suitable roads, while steeper portions may rely on hand methods or specialized equipment.

What happens next: public scoping and outreach are underway, with staff seeking input on access, seasonality and cultural‑resource concerns before final analysis and a spring decision point.