RED ROCKS FOREST HEALTH PROJECT BETWEEN BASIN AND BERNICE Beetle-killed tree removal part of FS project

Area landowners, recreationists, ranchers and more gathered at the fairgrounds May 18 to hear about the Red Rocks Forest Health Project. The project aims to remove trees killed by pine beetles about fifteen years ago north of Interstate 15 between Bernice and Basin and to improve the area’s habitat. 

Among contemplated actions are thinning, commercial timber sales, some clearcuts and some burning, said Tera Little, team leader. She called the project design “a collaborative process” that asks local residents to weigh in on the plans, describing it as a project based on science-informed by local knowledge. 

Little told the locals who filled Volunteer Hall, “We don’t have a proposed action yet – we have some opportunities.” Forest Service District Ranger Dave Sabo said the 79,170 or so acres in the project area have been a big topic throughout his time in the position.