The U.S. Forest Service will hold a public meeting tonight to gather feedback about a plan to cut back trees in the upper Fryingpan.
The Forest Service said the aging forest could be particularly vulnerable to insect epidemics, drought and wildfire — which proved true when about 350 acres in this area burned in the Freeman Fire in October.
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Credit Courtesy of U.S. Forest Service
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Courtesy of U.S. Forest Service
The agency is proposing selective cutting on about 2,000 acres to encourage growth of younger trees, which leads to a healthier, more diverse forest. The plan said the vegetation work may also improve snowshoe hare and lynx habitat.
The public can learn more and provide feedback from 6 to 7:30 p.m. tonight at Basalt Town Hall.