Hazard tree cutting in the Lost Lake and Chicken Park areas, both popular for dispersed camping, north of Red Feather Lakes will create temporary closures and delayed road openings.
Chicken Park, Forest Service Road 181, typically opens this time of year, but the gate will remain closed until cutting and removal is completed. A temporary gate will be placed on Lost Lake, Forest Service Road 235, closing this area. Once work is completed here, the gate will be moved to Forest Service Road 180a and 180b.
These trees were killed from the mountain pine beetle epidemic. This cutting is part of the Red Feather Fuels Reduction Project and is important to increase public safety.
The closure is likely to last 30 to 60 days depending on conditions. There will be heavy equipment in the area, so it is critical for the public to respect these closures. Work could begin as soon as Monday.
For those looking for other places on the Canyon Lakes Ranger District to recreate, please check the web at www.fs.usda.gov/arp or call visitor information at 970-295-6700.
Remember your safety is your responsibility. Respect all signed closures; follow all regulations; and take precaution in mountain pine beetle hit areas. Make sure to look for open areas when selecting a location to camp or park. Take a saw or ax with you to remove fallen trees from roads to avoid becoming trapped. Dead and live trees can fall without warning.