Forest Service releases final decision for the Muddy Pass–Sheephorn project

Release Date: Jan 23, 2020

EAGLE, Colo. – The Forest Service signed the Final Decision Notice for the Muddy Pass-Sheephorn project on the Eagle-Holy Cross Ranger District in the landscape north of Vail and south of Radium, Colorado. This decision authorizes harvesting timber and broadcast burning on approximately 9,722 acres. Additionally, the decision converts the Windy Point Road to an open motorized Forest System Road, and authorizes range improvements, installation of a fish barrier, and wildlife habitat enhancements.   

The deciding official, Marcia Gilles, Acting District Ranger for the Eagle-Holy Cross Ranger District, has reviewed the environmental assessment and found there to be no significant impact from the proposed activities.

“This decision provides a variety of management activities designed to benefit multiple forest resources, including a reduction in fuels and improvements to vegetation, fisheries, rangelands, roads, and wildlife habitat,” said Gilles.

According to Brett Crary, Silviculturist and project manager, “The selected alternative demonstrates how sustainable forestry practices can improve wildlife habitat, create ecosystem resilience by increasing forest diversity across the landscape, and supply forest products to local timber contractors.”

Implementation of the Muddy Pass–Sheephorn project may begin immediately. For additional information, please visit the following link: https://www.fs.usda.gov/project/?project=53148 

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