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A forest health assessment conducted by the Colorado State Forest Service indicated that many of the Douglas-fir on the hill were infested by Douglas-fir beetles -- close relatives of the mountain pine beetles that have affected millions of acres of lodgepole pine forest in Colorado. Removing the trees at Howelsen Hill will help prevent further spread of the beetles.

The harvesting operation is one of several recommended treatments which will improve the stand’s health while creating a safer environment for recreational users. Logs will be removed by helicopter to minimize the impact on remaining vegetation and existing trails. The project area’s extreme slope requires a technically complex operation, which consists of the removal of all trees affected by the Douglas-fir beetle.

Trail closures will be in place Saturday and Sunday while this work is in process. Robbie’s Cut, Mile Run and the outrun access of the jumps will be closed to all use while the tree removal operation is in progress. For the safety of all trail users, it is important to respect and adhere to these trail closures. Trails on Emerald Mountain may still be accessed via Blackmere Drive or from the Stables access.