Red Lodge Clearinghouse

SW Colo. timber project said to threaten lynx habitat

Written by Land Letter
Friday, 27 March 2009
The Rio Grande National Forest has proposed a timber salvage project that would remove thousands of acres of beetle-infested spruce trees and try to reduce the risk of wildfire and promote reforestation. But environmental groups say the plan could destroy lynx habitat, harm soils and watersheds and kill healthy small spruce trees that are difficult to regenerate. The Big Moose project is proposed in an area of the northern San Juan Mountains in southwestern Colorado, partially adjacent to the Weminuche Wilderness. About 4,200 acres would be logged, including 400 acres that would be clear-cut, with an expected yield of about 40 million to 50 million board feet. The project would require maintenance on approximately 42 miles of existing forest roads, the temporary reopening of 20 miles of old roads, and the construction of about 3 miles of new temporary roads. Once the project is complete, all roads that were closed prior to the project would remain closed, and the new temporary roads would be rehabilitated. Click here to ready this week's Land Letter. Set as favorite Bookmark Email This Comments (0) Subscribe to this comment's feed Write comment You must be logged in to a comment. Please register if you do not have an account yet.
Last Updated ( Saturday, 28 March 2009 )