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Pike-San Isabel National Forests & Cimarron and Comanche National Grasslands

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The Pike-San Isabel National Forests & Cimarron and Comanche National Grasslands covers nearly three million acres from western Kansas and Colorado's highest mountain peaks along the Continental Divide. This landscape offers a variety of ecosystems rich in history, geology, scenery, wildlife habitat and recreation opportunities.

Bear Lake and Blue Lake Campgrounds closed - San Carlos Ranger District

The Bear Lake and Blue Lake Campgrounds will remain closed through 2023 due to hazardous conditions created by blown down trees. Fishing access at Blue Lake will be available, but no vehicle access past the Blue Lake day-use area. See the closure order and map for additional information. 

 

  • FIRE RESTRICTIONS AND FOREST ORDERS

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    A list of Forest Orders that includes motor vehicle use maps, fire restrictions, closures, and other restricted activities by district.

  • Fire Information

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    The PSICC is one of the priority landscapes for the "Confronting the Wildfire Crisis Strategy". Everything you need to know about the resource work happening from the Front Range to the Grasslands.

  • Special Projects

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    Information about current and proposed projects for watershed restoration, habitat improvement, recreation sites, timber sales, roads and more.

  • Maps and Publications

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    Visitor Maps and publications are available at forest offices. For detailed information, contact the Ranger District you are visiting and speak with one of our visitor information staff.

  • Passes and Permits

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    Recreation, forest products, events, commercial filming and all other permits you may need.

Features

Comanche National Grassland Awarded Federal Funds For Maintenance Project

Engineers working on underground septic pipe

The Comanche Ranger District is utilizing federal funds from the Great American Outdoors Act (GAOA) National Parks & Public Lands Legacy Restoration Fund (LRF) for deferred maintenance at a work center. The work center is used by Forest Service crews who maintain the historic Santa Fe Trail and by partner organizations working on endangered species research...

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Project Protecting Denver Water Supply Receives Federal Funding

Mechanical thinning by a piece of equipment known as a processor at the Jerome Miller/Miller Gulch p

The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law provides the Forest Service with new authorities and additional critical funding to address risks from catastrophic wildfire and other disasters, strengthen fire-related infrastructure, make better use of the research tools, and support needed ecosystem and structural improvements that benefit people and wildlife. The Jerome Miller/Miller Gulch Project falls on the Colorado Front Range, one of the 10 initial landscapes in eight states to receive funding to confront the wildfire crisis...

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Highlights

  • Work begins on Pikes Peak Tornado restoration project
    On July 20, 2023, an EF1 tornado touched down on the northern slopes of Pikes Peak, resulting in extensive tree damage along the Pikes Peak Highway between mile markers 5 and 8. Meteorologists estimate the storm reached wind speeds over 110mph along its 2.18-mile path. As the tornado moved east, it crossed through Crystal Creek Reservoir before crossing back over the Pikes Peak Highway and finally lifting at mile marker 5. No injuries were sustained in the tornado, and the damage to the area is minimal. In partnership with the City of Colorado Springs Utilities and Pikes Peak – America’s Mountain, the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service will work with Stewardship West, a non-profit shared stewardship contractor, to remove uprooted and damaged trees across approximately 200 acres of National Forest System land.
  • The Bear Creek Watershed Restoration Project
    The Bear Creek Watershed Restoration Project began on-the-ground work in 2016 and work will continue for the foreseeable future. The project protects the greenback cutthroat trout (greenback) while allowing for appropriate and sustainable recreation in this very popular area. Research published in 2012 revealed that the fish in Bear Creek are the sole remaining genetically pure self-sustaining population of greenback cutthroat trout. The population is listed as threatened under the Endangered Species Act (ESA). The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) will evaluate these findings and conduct a status review to determine if the population should be listed as endangered. Concerns about the vulnerability of the fish prompted an Environmental Assessment to find a solution to protect the fish while allowing for appropriate and sustainable recreation in this very popular area. The assessment was complete, and implementation started in 2016.
  • Salida Ranger District seeking comments on Monarch Park campground renovation project
    The Salida Ranger District of the Pike-San Isabel National Forests and Cimarron and Comanche National Grasslands is seeking comments on a proposal to improve Monarch Park Campground. Plans include rehabilitating unsustainable sites and adding an ADA-accessible fishing pier. The campground was built in the 1960s and is located approximately 21 miles west of Salida.
  • Upper Monument Creek Fuels Treatment Project Link opens in a new window
    The Pikes Peak Ranger District on the Pike-San Isabel National Forests will be conducting a fuels reduction project in Upper Monument Creek in support of the United States Department of Agriculture, Forest Service 10-year Wildfire Crisis Strategy. The purpose of this project is to create a defensible space along Mt. Herman Road as well as along the Forest Service boundary. This project is scheduled to begin the week of June 5, 2023, and is expected to last approximately two weeks.