January 3, 2024
(press release)
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Release Date: Dec 27, 2023 Gunnison, Colorado, Dec. 27, 2023 — The Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre and Gunnison (GMUG) National Forests’ Gunnison Ranger District announces timber harvest operations beginning for the Slaughterhouse timber sale. The timber sale includes a mix of Englemann Spruce and Lodgepole pine units marked for treatment to break up fuel continuity. These treatments will also help to increase resiliency in Lodgepole pine stands infected with Dwarf Mistletoe. Commercial timber harvest is an important tool for promoting a healthy stand, reducing fuels in Wildland Urban Interface (WUI) areas, increasing forest resiliency to insects and diseases and contributing to the economics of surrounding communities. During winter operations, one lane of National Forest System Road (NFSR) #764 and #765 will be plowed to facilitate hauling and logging operations. Public access will be maintained for over-the-snow travel on the groomed route paralleling the plowed road to the Tincup cemetery. To ensure public safety, the GMUG will post a Forest Order prohibiting public use on the plowed portion of NFSR #764 and #765. Snow plowing is not anticipated to block driveways or impede access to private lands. Logging operations will continue throughout the winter, weather permitting. “Managing multiple uses of our National Forests is a complex responsibility,” said Dayle Funka, Gunnison District Ranger. “My team has been working diligently with the logging operators and the Buena Vista Snowmobile Club to ensure continued public access with over-the-snow vehicles while utilizing winter haul routes to minimize road damage and maintenance.” Visitors should pay close attention to all road traffic signs when traveling near the area. Logging operations may occur at any time. However, log truck hauling is restricted to Monday through Friday and will not occur on holidays. Please exercise extreme caution when traveling near active logging operations. The Slaughterhouse timber sale is part of the overarching Taylor Park Vegetation Management project aimed at limiting the spread of Mountain Pine Beetle and reducing hazardous fuels near the residential areas around the town of Tincup and the surrounding communities of Rainbow and Murdie subdivisions. For more information, please contact the Gunnison Ranger District at (970) 641-0471.
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