Resident access within forest closure area on Canyon Lakes Ranger District

Larimer County and the U.S. Forest Service wish to extend their sympathy to all who have been affected by the recent flooding. Public safety continues to be the top priority during this challenging time of repair and rehabilitation.

Along with County and state road closures, a portion of the Roosevelt National Forest is closed. Information on this closure and other flooding information for the forest is located at www.fs.usda.gov/goto/arp/flood2013. For closure information within Larimer County visit www.larimer.org/emergency.

The County and the Forest Service are working together to provide temporary access, where possible, to property owners within the closure areas. The Forest Service has issued a letter allowing the Larimer County Sheriff to authorize evacuees to temporarily enter the Forest closure area in order to winterize homes, retrieve essential items or for minimal subsistence travel.

Many of these areas require specialized vehicles. To get credentials, residents will need a photo ID and proof of residency. Registration and credentialing will be available at the Larimer County Sheriff’s Office located at 2501 Midpoint Drive in Fort Collins, between the hours of 9 a.m. and 4 p.m., Monday through Friday. Credentials may also be obtained at the Disaster Assistance Center located at 815 14th Street SW, Building B in Loveland today and tomorrow from noon to 7 p.m.

Finding alternative access for residents is difficult and can cross multiple land ownerships. Forest Service Roads are often primitive and conditions may make travel dangerous, especially following the flood. Many of these roads are not equipped to handle full-sized vehicles.

Residents attempting to get back to their homes will encounter many unknown hazards and will enter at their own risk. Safety cannot be guaranteed in these areas.