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Steamboat Magazine

LOGGING RETURNS TO STEAMBOAT SKI AREA

08/30/2013 08:53PM ● By Deb Olsen
LOGGING RETURNS TO STEAMBOAT SKI AREA

 

STEAMBOAT SPRINGS, CO-August 30, 2013-The Steamboat Ski Area will continue logging projects at the resort for pine beetle mitigation starting as early as Tuesday, September 3rd.  Logging operations on approximately 25 acres will result in closures and detours at the Steamboat Ski Area beginning Tuesday, September 3rd.

 

“It is imperative that the public understands the dangers associated with an operation of this scope and abide by all closures and signs, and keep clear of the impacted areas,” said Doug Allen, vice president of mountain operations for the Steamboat Ski & Resort Corporation. “As we continue to grow and expand our on-mountain activities, the mitigation and logging work we do during the fall season becomes an important part of our winter preparations and future summer planning.”

 

To help establish safety perimeters around the logging project, the US Forest Service has issued a closure for the area that encompasses the Burgess Creek drainage between Pony Express Lift in Pioneer Ridge and Four Points Lift from the bottom of Bar-UE down to Storm Peak Express. A helicopter yarding method will be implemented to yard logs from slopes to a centralized log landing location, adding to heightened safety procedures during the fall season.  No biking, hiking, hunting or other access is permitted in this area. The closure remains in effect through October 30th or until the work is completed.

Outside the closure area, mountain trails will remain open as conditions permit. Please respect all signs and trail closures while accessing mountain areas. 

 

During upcoming operations, crews will be falling trees and using heavy equipment such as skidders and logging trucks, as well as a helicopter. Removal of logs by helicopter makes the process more environmentally light on the land by limiting the ground footprint and decreasing the potential for soil erosion and sedimentation to streams.

 

This work is being done in response to impacts from the mountain pine beetle which has increased the risk of falling trees. Previous and current logging will result in reduced hazards from falling trees to visitors.   The logging program continues to focus solely on lodgepole pine and will not affect spruce, fir or aspen. Steamboat is fortunate that the forest cover on the mountain is so diverse, making impacts from the pine beetle epidemic less extensive.