Breckenridge forests get a break
Red, White & Blue wild-land workers will start taking out brush and trees in Highlands Park, above Discovery Hill in Breckenridge. They picked that area because of its high risk and the fact that it backs to national forest. The money comes from a $90,000 federal grant, as well as some kick-ins by the Highlands Park Housing Association. The project will cost about $20,000 to remove trees, which will slowly and safely be burned, in the 5 acres. Other fire mitigation projects will continue near the Upper Blue Valley. In addition, lawmakers are looking at setting aside $5.5 million to clear more trees, recycle beetle kill and create wildfire plans throughout Colorado. The U.S. Forest Service also hopes to dole out $26 million throughout the Rocky Mountains to deal with the problem. Local authorities say that approximately 8,600 acres need to be thinned. The cost is averages $1,250 an acre, but reduced fuel costs are a plus for the cause.
