The Bureau of Land Management is removing hazardous trees from the Strawberry Special Recreation Management Area as early as May 15 to improve forest health, wildlife habitat, and public safety.

This project will remove dead timber where recent bark beetle infestation killed 80 percent or more trees. The tree removal will stimulate growth of grasses and forbs, shrubs, and seedling trees due to less competition for sunlight and space and improve public safety by removing stands of dead trees at risk of falling on visitors.

“We recognize this area is a popular destination for mountain biking, hiking, off-highway vehicle riding and other activities,” said Kremmling Field Manager Bill Mills. “We are implementing this project to improve this area for the public and make it safe while recreating.”

The project overlaps with The Phases non-motorized trail system and designated roads with dispersed campsites. Some trails or areas may be periodically closed during tree falling and heavy equipment operations. Signs will be posted in the project area to alert visitors to hazards. Visitors are urged to obey area and trail closures for their safety and the expedience of completing logging activities.

For more information about this project, contact the Kremmling Field Office at 970-724-3000 or BLM_CO_KR_Webmail@blm.gov.