Forest Service

WRNF: Recreating in Glenwood Canyon includes added risk of debris flow

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White River National Forest

Friday, July 2 2:36 p.m.

GLENWOOD SPRINGS, Colo. – The White River Nation Forest reminds people
planning to recreate in Glenwood Canyon to be aware of the risk of debris flow around the Grizzly
Creek Fire scar.

“Even moderate rainfall rates can cause significant flooding and debris flow in the first few years after
a wildfire,” said White River Forest Supervisor Scott Fitzwilliams. “Check the forecast before heading
out to recreate in Glenwood Canyon. If rain is forecast, you may want to consider another option.”

Modeling for the Grizzly Creek burn scar indicates that 0.25 inches of precipitation in 15 minutes
could cause a severe debris flow. Debris flow modeling shows multiple areas where a debris flow risk
is moderate to high, including areas adjacent to I-70, the No Name drainage and the Grizzly Creek
drainage.

If you choose to recreate in Glenwood Canyon:
• Be aware of the increased risk of debris flow and other post-fire hazards such as falling rocks
and trees.
• Be aware of the potential for closures to rest stops and the bike path if there is a flash flood
watch, and to I-70 if there is a flash flood warning. Visit www.cotrip.org for the latest updates.
• Be prepared to spend more time out than you anticipated in case there are closures.
• Know what to do in case of a flash flood.

According to the National Weather Service:
If you are in a drainage area or in other low spots, walk or climb to higher ground. Know
your escape routes and act as quickly as possible. A short walk or climb to higher ground
may just save your life.

Many flash flood deaths occur in vehicles. Turn around, don’t drown. Do not drive
through a flooded roadway. The water may be much deeper than you think because the
roadway may be damaged or washed away. One to two feet of water will carry away most
vehicles. https://www.weather.gov/safety/flood

“Debris flow risk around the Grizzly Creek Fire burn scar will be with us for the next several years,”
Fitzwilliams said.

WRNF: Recreating in Glenwood Canyon includes added risk of debris flow

Forest Service and BLM modify Grizzly Creek Fire closure area

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GLENWOOD SPRINGS, Colo. – The White River National Forest and Bureau of Land Management are modifying the closure area for the Grizzly Creek Fire beginning Friday, Sept 4.

The closure area is being reduced to better align with current fire suppression and suppression repair activities.

“We know there is a lot of interest in accessing these areas for recreation, including hunting,” said BLM Colorado River Valley Field Manager Larry Sandoval. “We’ve reduced the closure area where it is safe to do so.”
“We still have more than 600 personnel working this 32,000-acre fire, which is not fully contained,” said White River National Forest Supervisor Scott Fitzwilliams. “Many areas near the Grizzly Creek Fire remain closed for firefighter and public safety.”

The Coffee Pot Road and Transfer Trail Road remain closed. The western boundary of the closure includes Forest Service Roads 602 and 637.
The Boy Scout/Lookout Mountain, Grizzly Creek, Hanging Lake, Mitchell Creek, and No Name trails are closed. The recreation areas and boat ramps on the Colorado River from Dotsero through Glenwood Canyon to No Name are closed. Above Dotsero, Cottonwood Landing is open to put in and take out. Lyons Campground is open to take out only.

The Sweetwater Road is open and offers an alternate access point into the eastern Flat Tops Wilderness. Clinetop Mesa Road is open. The Heart Lake and Deep Lake area is open and accessible from the west. The BLM trails at Onion Ridge and Keyser Creek are open.

The BLM and White River National Forest will continue to review area closures and will modify further if circumstances allow.

Maps of the closure are available online at https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/6942/, https://www.fs.usda.gov/whiteriver, and https://www.blm.gov/colorado.

Forest Service and BLM modify Grizzly Creek Fire closure area

Forest Service: Fire officials remind public to be safe with fire as restrictions ease in some areas

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GLENWOOD SPRINGS, Colo. – Fire restrictions are changing across several jurisdictions within the Upper Colorado River Interagency Fire and Aviation Management Unit region, and the public is urged to check with local offices before heading out this weekend.

The following areas will remain in Stage 1 fire restrictions until further notice:
• The Dillon Ranger District of the White River National Forest
• All Bureau of Land Management lands within Garfield, Pitkin and Summit counties; and all BLM lands in Eagle County within the Roaring Fork Valley
•  Private lands within Garfield, Pitkin and Summit counties (check with counties for specific rules and exceptions)

The following areas will lift current fire restrictions effective May 20, 2020:
• The Aspen-Sopris, Blanco, Eagle-Holy Cross, and Rifle ranger districts of the White River National Forest
• All Bureau of Land Management lands within Eagle County outside of the Roaring Fork Valley
•  Private lands within Eagle County (check with county for specific rules and exceptions)

Officials consider a number of criteria when determining the need for fire restrictions, including current and anticipated fire danger, resource availability, and consistency with neighboring jurisdictions. Local, county, state and federal officials within the UCR area evaluate and coordinate fire restrictions weekly during fire season.

Land managers urge the public to be extremely careful in areas where fires are allowed and ensure campfires are completely out before leaving camp. Remember that fireworks are prohibited on federal land.

Forest Service: Fire officials remind public to be safe with fire as restrictions ease in some areas

USFS: Acting Regional Forester announces temporary developed recreation site closures and fire restrictions; some recreation opportunities remain available

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DENVER, Colo., April 7, 2020 – Acting Regional Forester Jennifer Eberlien today announced and signed an order to temporarily close developed recreation sites and an order to implement fire restrictions within the Forest Service’s Rocky Mountain Region to align with local, state and federal orders and guidelines to protect public health and safety. The region includes 24 national forests and grasslands across Colorado, Kansas, Nebraska, South Dakota and Wyoming.

“While we know that going outside provides forest and grassland visitors needed space, exercise and satisfaction, we are taking the risks presented by COVID-19 seriously,” said Eberlien. “We are providing some recreation opportunities where we can while protecting and keeping employees, the public and our communities safe from the virus, as well as protecting and keeping communities and natural and cultural resources safe from unwanted human-caused wildfires.”

Recreation Closures

Developed recreation sites are temporarily closed while dispersed camping, hiking and river uses are allowed, although discouraged. Closed developed recreation sites include campgrounds, day-use areas, picnic areas, and any other constructed facility amenities – such as potable water stations, fire rings/grills, picnic tables, restroom facilities with flush or vaulted toilets, and trashcans and trash collection services. Parking facilities, trails and trailheads remain open. Dispersed camping includes camping on a national forest or grassland where recreation facilities or services are not provided.

Forest and grassland visitors camping in dispersed recreation sites, hiking or embarking on river activities are encouraged to adhere to the following safety and responsibility guidelines.

  • • Stay close to home to keep other communities safe.
  • • Stay 6 feet apart from others.
  • • Avoid crowding in parking lots, trails, scenic overlooks and other areas.
  • • Take CDC precautions to prevent illnesses like COVID-19.
  • • Prepare for limited or no services, such as restroom facilities and garbage collection.
  • • Prepare to pack out trash and human waste.

Fire Restrictions

Effective immediately until rescinded, the following is prohibited:

1. Igniting, building, maintaining, attending or using a fire, including charcoal grills and barbecues, coal and wood-burning stoves, and sheepherder’s stoves.

2. Smoking, except within an enclosed vehicle, trailer or building.

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The following persons are exempt from fire restrictions:

1. Persons with a Forest Permit, Form FS-7700-48, specifically exempting them from the effect of this Order in the areas listed above.

2. Any Federal, State or local officer or member of an organized rescue or firefighting force in the performance of an official duty is exempt from Prohibitions.

3. Persons using pressurized liquid or gas devices (stoves, grills or lanterns) with shut-off valves in an area at least three feet from any flammable materials are exempt from Prohibition #1.

4. Residents, owners or lessees within the areas listed above who are using a fire in a permanent dwelling with an effective and properly installed USDA- or SAE- approved spark arrestor, are exempt from Prohibition #1.

Fire restrictions enhance public safety, protect natural and cultural resources and help prevent human-caused wildfires. Several criteria are used to determine when to implement fire restrictions, including fire activity levels, current and predicted weather, fuel moisture and the availability of emergency and firefighting resources. Additional restrictions may be required if conditions warrant.

Entering upon closed areas or igniting, building, maintaining, attending or using a fire or smoking on national forests and grasslands is a violation of Federal law and may result in consequent fines and possible jail time.

All offices are conducting business and providing virtual services. For specific forest and grassland information, please visit the region’s forest and grassland directory.

Contact info:
USDA Forest Service
Rocky Mountain Region
1617 Cole Boulevard
Lakewood, CO 80401
(303) 275-5350
www.fs.usda.gov/r2

Media Contact: Barbara Khan
barbara.khan@usda.gov

USFS: Acting Regional Forester announces temporary developed recreation site closures and fire restrictions; some recreation opportunities remain available