COLORADO SPRINGS – Two weeks of cutting and grinding trees in the Blodgett Peak Open space is now underway. The goal of the work on Colorado Springs west side is improving forest health and lowering fire danger.
Part of the open space burned just over six years ago, during the Waldo Canyon fire. Trees in the burn portion are gone and it will take decades for a comeback of new trees. City Forester, Dennis Will says, in the adjacent area where trees remain, fire danger and mitigation work is still needed. “It just makes sense even though we have burn scar right next to the other.”
The work thins trees and cuts back undergrowth. Mature pine trees stay while young trees choking out nutrition will be removed. Along with creating a fire break, it makes remaining trees more resistant to problems. “So as long as the trees are healthy, where they’re not competing as hard with other trees around it, there’s less chance for insects and diseases to get in the canopies,” said Will
Work will happen from the first week of February to the middle of the month. Weather permitting chainsaws and heavy equipment will be working in the open space.
