Burning Slash Piles on Emerald Mountain

Burning Slash Piles on Emerald Mountain as part of ARRA Grant Project.

Under a contract with the City of Steamboat Springs, Rogue Resources has been cutting
and removing trees on Emerald Mountain. This work is funded by a High Priority Forest
Fuels Mitigation grant that was awarded by the Colorado State Forest Service and is
directed at restoring forest health by removing dead and diseased trees. As trees are
cut down, much of the unusable biomass is placed into slash piles that are burned. As a
result, citizens may periodically see flames or small smoke plumes on Emerald
Mountain. Factors considered when choosing a satisfactory burning timeframe include
weather, current air conditions, condition of the surrounding environment and the size of
the slash pile.

Steamboat Springs Fire Rescue encourages citizens to report any fires outside of this
project area as they may not be associated with this project.

As a reminder, the City of Steamboat Springs closed the Blackmere Drive Trail to all
public access for this hazard tree removal project as of Wednesday, March 3rd. The trail
accessing the Quarry and Emerald Mountain is closed with barriers and signage at the
trailhead in Fairview on Routt Street until the work is complete. Please respect this
closure as heavy equipment use and tree removal operations will be ongoing during this
time frame. An alternative temporary trail access has been identified for use from this
trailhead parking area. Signage is in place to direct trail users to a packed trail that
crosses private and City property, leading to what has been previously referred to as
“Orton Meadows”.

Other popular areas to recreate include: the Yampa River Core Trail, Buffalo Pass/Dry
Lake Parking Lot, Fish Creek Falls Recreation Area, Rita Valentine Park, Butcherknife
Trail, Sky Line Trail (off of Clear Water Trail), and Rabbit Ears Pass.
The groomed Nordic trails at the Howelsen Hill Nordic Center are available for cross
country skiing and snowshoeing only. Tickets or passes are required on these groomed
trails and dogs are not allowed.

For more information about burning slash piles or the trail closure, please call Parks,
Open Space and Recreational Services at 879-4300 or Steamboat Springs Fire Rescue
at 879-7170.