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.
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.