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CPW urges seasonal closures to protect elk as USFS readies Frisco Backyard fuel‑mitigation and recreation plan
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Summary
Colorado Parks and Wildlife told Summit County advisory members that elk numbers have declined and recommended seasonal closures (May 15–June 30) during calving; USFS and county staff said they will incorporate wildlife data into final trail siting and fuel mitigation decisions.
Colorado Parks and Wildlife representatives told the Summit County Open Space Advisory Council on March 5 that elk populations in the Frisco Backyard project area have declined and that limiting human disturbance during calving could help stabilize the herd.
Alex Strasser and Elissa Slezak of CPW said monitoring and collaring are underway to map calving locations and inform trail siting. CPW recommended consideration of seasonal trail closures from May 15 through June 30 to reduce disturbance during calving. "If they are stressed during calving season, they could just 'blink out'," CPW staff said, urging cautious siting and timing of new recreational routes.
Sam Massman of the U.S. Forest Service described the Frisco Backyard proposal as a combined fuel‑reduction and recreation plan prompted by the Peak 2 fire. The plan concentrates recreation nearer to Frisco, proposes hardening and improving high‑use trails near town and Rainbow Lake, and designs fuel‑breaks south of Rainbow Lake to keep more trees close to town limits.
OSAC members asked how fuel mitigation would affect the elk herd; CPW said mitigation could be beneficial if units are not all clear‑cut. Staff noted that some lodgepole units may be clear‑cut while larger spruce and fir stands would remain. OSAC requested more CPW movement data as it becomes available.
The USFS plans a 60‑day public comment period beginning at the end of March; staff said received comments will be incorporated and a final decision is expected by the end of 2025. The USFS also intends to issue an SUP to the Town of Frisco for trail management. OSAC requested a focused agenda item at its April meeting to provide formal comments to the county.
Actions: request for additional elk movement data and a scheduled OSAC agenda item in April for structured feedback.