The City of Steamboat Springs (City) is collaborating with the Colorado State Forest Service (CSFS) to implement a Hazard Tree Mitigation Project on Emerald Mountain this summer. Work began in July and is expected to last through mid-October 2016. The City will be implementing the work plan identified in the Emerald Mountain Forest Management Plan on the Orton and Gossard Open Space parcels. This project will complete the planned tree removal operations of beetle kill trees that began in 2010.
The City is working diligently with the contractor and CSFS to minimize impacts to the general public on the Emerald multi-use trails. The City will be working with Routt County Riders and executing planned volunteer work days to get trails reopened as quickly as possible. Additionally there will be opportunities to re-route unsustainable sections of trails (Root Canal, Stairway to Heaven, Abby’s, etc.) during this process.
The following approximate timeline for the work plan and trail closures may change depending on weather conditions and on the ground challenges:
• August 1 – October 15: Root Canal, Upper and Middle Stairway to Heaven, Upper No Mo’ Bluez
• September 6 – September 30: Upper Morning Gloria
• TENTATIVE: September 22nd – September 23rd: One full day closure of the majority of the Emerald Mountain Trail System while helicopter logging and tree removal is in progress. Final dates will be confirmed and communicated the week of September 19th. (Bluffs Loop/Howelsen Meadows may remain open depending on flight patterns).
Access to the backside of the mountain remains open via Lower No Mo’ Bluez to Wild Rose and Lane of Pain. Beall and Ridge Trails will not be affected by this project and will remain open.
Races such as the Steamboat Stinger and Run Rabbit Run will occur as scheduled.