Eldorado National Forest — Project Detail

Eldorado NF with PCWA propose a landscape project in the MF American River watershed headwaters for long-term forest health, resilience, & sustainability; to protect natural & cultural resources; & to protect utility infrastructure. https://usfs-public.box.com/s/m4u1mz1bk4a19yhr6winapo3t4x27v5m

Proposal to designate over-snow vehicle (OSV) areas and trails for public OSV use, consistent with Subpart C of the Travel Management Regulations, and identify OSV trails where grooming will occur. PALS # 46034.

Remove encroaching conifers to reestablish historic Aspen stands on the Amador Ranger District of the Eldorado National Forest.

This project aims to restore ecosystem health and resilience to wildfire, insect and disease, and drought through forest thinning, fuels reduction and a suite of watershed improvement actions.

The project would replace approximately 2.2 miles (11,402 linear feet) of existing steel water line used to supply Kirkwood Mountain Resort with water for on-mountain snowmaking from Caples Lake to Chair 1.

Fuels & Forest Health EAD approved. Restoration activities: fuels management, harvest & disposal of fire killed trees, reforestation, repair of damaged roads infrastructure. Landscape-level prescribed fire includes mechanical txts & weed txts.

The Project will reduce the risk of uncharacteristic or catastrophic wildfires, restore severely burned areas, and repair fire damaged infrastructure. Maximum Extent Scenario decision under Forest Health and Fuels ESD signed December 2025.

Enhance fire resilience through hazardous fuel reduction or reforestation on approximately 1,400 acres. Create a 4.5-mile shaded fuel break along Mosquito Road. Salvage fire-damaged and hazardous trees. Conduct controlled burns. Road repair.

Trail maintenance work using hand tools and a mini excavator to trim overgrown vegetation, conduct trail tread work, construct drainages, and minor trail realignment where necessary due to extensive erosion.