Gunnison County Fuels Planning
Summary
Introduction: Fuels treatments have occurred within the Gunnison Basin for nearly 30 years. Since 1976, approximately 120,000 acres have been treated. Emphasis was on disposal of slash from timber sales, prescribed burning for wildlife and livestock improvements as well as restoration of threatened ecosystems (ponderosa pine, Douglas- fir, aspen). In 2000, the National Fire Plan directed Federal Agencies to plan and implement fuels treatment adjacent to communities, homes and private property with cooperation with State and local entities. We here in the Gunnison Basin have several projects already being implemented, e.g. Powderhorn — BLM, Elk Creek — Lake Fork (USFS), White Pine and Sargents (USFS), Arrowhead Subdivision (BLM and CSFS), and the West Antelope near Gunnison (BLM). Several Colorado State Forest Service projects on private land are being promoted through incentives and information/education efforts. Success here has been limited. In addition, the CSFS is working with Gunnison County to create a County-wide Fire Plan. However, there are still many areas within the County we need to look at fuels management work. PLANNING AREAS: Crested Butte: The Colorado State Forest Service is taking the lead in the area. Gunnison County has a hazard and risk assessment that is 1/3 completed with the remainder of the mapping to be completed in 2003. For this area we want to 1.) Provide information and education to cities, town, subdivisions and other private landowners on identifying and mitigating
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