Decision Memo Completed

Methodist Mountain Vegetation Treatment

Pike-San Isabel National Forests & Cimarron and Comanche National Grasslands Chaffee, Colorado Salida Ranger District

Conifer thinning & removal through mechanical treatments & prescribed burning is proposed in order to 1)diversify forest structure, 2)improve forest & watershed health, 3)improve winter range, and 4)reduce the risk of large wildfires near Salida, CO.

Location

The project is approx. 2 miles south of Salida, CO on the lower slopes of Methodist Mountain. The project boundaries are BLM Lands and the Rainbow Trail between Poncha Mountain & Silverheels Gulch.

Project timeline

1
Scoping Start
05/12/2020
2
Decision
05/2022 (Estimated)
3
Implementation
07/2022 (Estimated)

NEPA / regulatory detail

Categorical Exclusion32.3 (9)
Special AuthorityHfra Title Vi: Wildfire Resilience Ce
Notice and Comment RegulationNot Subject to Regulations
Project ActivityFuel Treatments (Non-Activity Fuels); Forest Vegetation Improvements; Species Habitat Improvements; Watershed Improvements
Methodist Mountain Vegetation TreatmentDecision Signed Date: 05/24/2022
ForestsPike and San Isabel National Forests and Cimarron and Comanche National Grasslands
DistrictsSalida Ranger District
Legal Land DescriptionNot Applicable
Wildlife, fish, rare plantsWatershed managementFuels managementVegetation management (other than forest products)