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USFS releases Frisco Backyard EA proposing targeted fuel treatments, trail realignment and limited groomed winter use
Summary
The Frisco Backyard Environmental Assessment, released April 4, proposes phased fuel mitigation across 63 smaller units, trail realignment that would decommission 10 miles and add 5 miles of trail, and limited winter grooming and fat-bike access on portions of the Recpath; the Forest Service and Summit County staff say the plan seeks to balance wildfire risk reduction with recreation management while coordinating with Colorado Parks and Wildlife on elk protections.
The U.S. Forest Services Frisco Backyard Environmental Assessment (EA), released April 4, 2025, proposes a phased set of fuel-mitigation and trail-management actions intended to reduce wildfire hazards while keeping recreation needs in mind, officials told the Summit County Open Space Advisory Council on April 2.
Sam Massman, WRNF recreation program manager for the project, told the council the EA was shaped by two years of public engagement and field surveys for wetlands, rare plants, threatened and endangered species, raptors, hydrology and archaeology. "The project will balance recreational experiences and wildfire mitigation efforts," Massman said, and the EA includes measures such as limiting mechanical equipment near streams and requiring archaeological staff onsite when culturally significant trees are at risk.
Why it matters: The EA affects a high-use area adjacent to Frisco and the Tenmile Range and proposes changes that could alter where and how hundreds of thousands of annual visitors access trails and trailheads. Summit County staff said approximately…
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