FACTS
Jefferson County Open Space continues to ignore public opinion, peer-reviewed science, and even its own studies challenging the or effectiveness of—or need for—cutting forests in the name of “community protection” from wildfire, with plans to log 86 acres of popular Beaver Ranch Park outside Conifer starting in July.
The controversial proposal includes cutting “large trees,” removal of 40 to 75 percent of forest overstory, and clearcutting all lodgepole pine in the two units at a cost of $4,500 per acre, according to Jefferson County Open Space.
Sections of the park—including the popular dog park—would be closed for an undetermined amount of time during the estimated six months of logging.
Read the studies showing previous “fuel reduction” in Beaver Ranch Park to be ineffective at protecting communities while increasing woody debris on the forest floor.
A community survey in the Beaver Ranch Park Master Plan found the majority of users to be “very interested” in hiking trails and “open, undisturbed natural areas for wildlife and wildlife viewing.” Other user comments include a desire for: “preservation of natural areas,” “undisturbed open space for enjoying/learning about nature,” to “protect sensitive habitat,” and to “leave it as is.”
EMAIL JEFFCO COMMISSIONERS
Write an email (or copy and paste this “Mad Libs” comment into an email and fill in the blanks) to Jefferson County Commissioners asking them to pause the cutting at Beaver Ranch Park until the full body of science (especially the studies conducted at the park and funded by the county) and public input is entered into the decision making process.
Email your comments to the following addresses and cc coloradosmokescreen@proton.me
ldahlkem@jeffco.us, akerr@jeffco.us, rzenzing@jeffco.us, commish@co.jefferson.co.us
SIGN THE PETITION
Sign the petition asking County Commissioners to enact a temporary moratorium on all “fuel reduction” in Jefferson County Open Space until the full body of science and public input is incorporated into the democratic process.
HIKE PHOTOS
On May 18, a group of 15 locals (and 2 dogs) hiked through a section of Beaver Ranch Park–threatened this July by aggressive and scientifically-contested “fuel reduction” logging by Jefferson County Open Space–to learn more about the forest and ways to protect it.
VOICES OF BEAVER RANCH PARK
Several of those who use and love Beaver Ranch Park chose to be photographed in front of a favorite tree and give a reason why they think the park should be protected from scientifically-contested “fuel reduction” logging by Jefferson County Open Space.
The Colorado Smokescreen 