Cameron Peak Fire Area Closure Changes; Know Before You Go

Contact(s): Reghan Cloudman

Fort Collins, Colo., June 30, 2021 – Thanks to the hard work of Forest Service employees and dedicated volunteers, changes are being made to the Cameron Peak Fire area closure. Visitors to the area are reminded there are safety hazards within burn areas to be aware of, including but not limited to, falling trees, flood risks, stump holes and rock fall danger. Be sure to check local weather information and monitor for the risk of flooding in burned areas. Your safety is your responsibility.

Most campgrounds within the Cameron Peak Fire impacted area are exempt from the closure order, offering developed camping opportunities once they open for the summer season. Remember that the areas around these campgrounds remain closed. New areas opening up include portions of the Laramie River Valley and an area south of Storm Mountain. Some other areas in the southern portion of the fire scar are now open to nonmotorized travel. These areas are depicted on the map.

Most Forest Service Roads in the fire area are closed. Much of the area impacted by the fire remains closed for safety and natural resource protection until fire suppression repair work and recovery work can be completed. Details of the latest closure and map are available on our website. Remember, not everything that is closed is gated, so know where you are and do not enter closed areas identified on the map. Some Forest Service Roads within the closure may be required to access private land, but that does not mean they are open to the public.

It may be helpful to know some popular areas that have been heavily impacted may not be able to reopen this year, especially given the interconnectivity of the roads and trails systems. On the Canyon Lakes Ranger District, this includes the Jacks Gulch Campground, the Swamp Creek area, many Forest Service Roads south of Deadman Road, Crown Point Road and others.

Visitors should always have a back-up plan in case an area has a temporary closure or is full. To help people plan their visit, we recommend everyone checks our Know Before You Go webpage for helpful tips, including closures due to the East Troublesome and Williams Fork fires on our Sulphur Ranger District.

There are more than 120 miles of Forest Service trails within the Cameron Peak Fire perimeter and over 350 miles of Forest Service Roads. Many factors come into play when determining when an area can reopen. Beyond the immediate risk of hazard trees, considerations need to be made for trail markers, erosion control and trail stabilization issues, travel route interconnectivity, damaged infrastructure like bridges, fire suppression repair work and other recovery efforts. Employees, volunteers and partners are working in numerous areas to keep recovery efforts moving forward.

Public river access is only open in the lower canyon. Be aware that the fire and spring runoff may have left new obstructions in the river, so be sure to scout it first. Check our road status page for the latest information as spring runoff damage and recovery work may have impacted opening dates. As visitors start to make plans for future recreational outings, they should expect to find a changed landscape, with the potential for both long- and short-term closures, as well as potential hazards. Fire recovery information is available on our website.

We know many people want to help with recovery efforts. The District is fortunate to have many wonderful organizations supporting recovery efforts. Both the Poudre Wilderness Volunteers and  Wildlands Restoration Volunteers are holding public restoration events that are announced on their websites.
 Closure Map   Closure Order
 
 

FORT COLLINS, Colo. (Dec. 17, 2020) – In the aftermath of five wildfires, multiple teams of natural resource specialists have completed their initial assessments of burned areas on the Arapaho and Roosevelt National Forests. Cameron Peak, Williams Fork, East Troublesome, Cal-Wood and Lefthand fires collectively burned more than 323,000 acres of National Forest lands in 2020.

These rapid assessments, part of the “Burned Area Emergency Response” or BAER program, represent a small part of the greater, collaborative, post-wildfire recovery efforts currently underway with a coalition of local, state and federal agencies, scientists and natural resource managers. BAER is an initial step that focuses solely on National Forest lands and values at risk in the immediate aftermath.

“There’s a great deal of interest in the BAER effort initially because it’s our first real look at what took place out there during the fire,” said Forest Supervisor Monte Williams. “But, BAER is only one piece of the puzzle. Now that we have that piece in place, we’re focused on working closely with our partners to support the priorities we collectively identify, from protecting water resources and securing infrastructure to rehabilitating and rebuilding our recreation areas.”

BAER funding is limited in its scope. For instance, it doesn’t pay to rebuild burned outhouses in campgrounds; but it does provide funding to temporarily cap burned pit toilets for public safety reasons.

Extensive research since the Hayman and High Park fires has provided land managers with a deeper understanding of what immediate post-fire treatments are most effective at reducing post-wildfire impacts to watersheds. For example, pulling undersized culverts and digging water bars on trails has been found to be more effective at reducing sedimentation, runoff and flooding than scattering mulch, seed and haybales across the landscape. While these have been popular post-fire treatments in the past, they have been found to have limited benefit. These treatments risk introducing noxious weeds to the environment and add to the debris washing into streams.

“We have to consider where we get the most bang for the buck,” Williams said. “In the longer term, my hope is that these collaborative groups will work together beyond post-fire recovery to help prepare our landscapes to be more resilient to future wildfires.”

One of the most valuable tools BAER assessments produce is soil burn severity maps, which cover entire fire perimeters and serve as a cross-jurisdictional reference tool. These maps will provide valuable data as recovery teams model potential affects and make decisions about where to focus efforts and funding.

Given these fires’ extended duration into the late season, team’s assessment efforts were hampered by snow and hazardous conditions. As a result, teams will need to return to certain areas in the spring for further assessment. In addition, hundreds of miles of roads and trails across both the Cameron Peak and East Troublesome fires remain to be surveyed and stabilized.

Executive summaries of the BAER findings, along with the soil burn severity maps and some example photos of the burned areas are now available for the public on www.inciweb.nwcg.gov. Each fire has a separate page for post wild-fire recovery efforts. Further information will be added to these pages as it becomes available.
 
Cameron Peak BAER Executive Summary

Cameron Peak Soil Burn Severity Map

The second round of the Burn Area Emergency Response was completed for the Cameron Peak Fire. This is the summary of that BAER analysis.

This is the initial summary of the BAER analysis when the Cameron Peak Fire was approximately 99,000 acres. Additional BAER analysis began on Nov. 9 to look at the additional burned acres and any changes that happened within the original perimeter.

FORT COLLINS, Colo., Sept. 23, 2020 – A Burn Area Emergency Response (BAER) team was established this week by the Arapaho and Roosevelt National Forests and Pawnee National Grassland to begin a burned area assessment of the Cameron Peak Fire. As information is available, it will be posted on the Cameron Peak Post-fire BAER InciWeb page.

BAER surveys are rapid assessments that evaluate the burned area to identify watersheds having increased potential for post-fire flooding, erosion, debris flows and rockslides. Since the BAER survey is a rapid assessment to assist land managers to prepare the burned area for future rain events, the team will initially focus on potential emergency impacts to life and safety on National Forest System lands and also share the team’s findings with partner agencies.

BAER teams consist of scientists and specialists, including hydrologists, soil scientists, engineers, botanists, biologists, archeologists and more. These teams collect data during their burned area surveys and present their findings and recommended emergency stabilization treatments or actions in a BAER assessment report. For additional information on what BAER is, check the announcement section of our InciWeb page.

BAER teams utilize satellite imagery which is then field validated and adjusted where needed by soil specialists to produce a map that shows the levels of soil burn severity on the watersheds. Changes in soil properties are the primary cause of increased post-fire erosion, flooding and debris flow potential. This is the first step in assessing potential watershed impacts from the wildfire to any National Forest values that may be at risk from potential increased flooding, sedimentation, debris flows and rockslides. BAER emergency response efforts are focused on the protection of human life, safety and property, as well as critical cultural and natural resources such as the water quality of streams on National Forest System lands.

BAER reports are shared with interagency cooperators who work to identify and prepare for potential post-fire flooding and debris flow impacts. Larimer County has a website with recovery resources for residents impacted by the Cameron Peak Fire. Other flood preparedness information is available at www.ready.gov/floods and www.floodsmart.gov.

This is just one step of recovery. The Arapaho and Roosevelt National Forests and Pawnee National Grassland is working with many cooperators in the area to look at longer-term recovery needs following the fire.

SAFETY MESSAGE: Everyone near and downstream from the burned area should remain alert and stay updated on weather conditions that may result in heavy rains over burn scars. Flash flooding may occur quickly during heavy rain events. Be prepared to take action.

-USDA-

 

USDA is an equal opportunity provider, employer, and lender.

For the latest information on the Cameron Peak Fire Closure area, please check our website at https://www.fs.usda.gov/alerts/arp/alerts-notices/?aid=60887.

These articles provide additional information about the Forest Service's BAER program:

- The Three Phases of Recovery
- Forest Service BAER Program Overview
- BAER Assessment Key Elements
- BAER Limitations 

PREPARING FOR RAINSTORMS

 

While many wildfires cause minimal damage to the land and pose few threats to the land or people downstream, some fires cause damage that requires special efforts to prevent problems afterwards.  Wildfire increases the potential for flooding, post-fire soil erosion and debris flows that could impact homes, structures, campgrounds, aquatic dependent plants and animals, roads, and other infrastructure within, adjacent to, and downstream from the burned area. 

 

Post-fire watershed conditions will naturally receive and transport water and sediment differently than during pre-fire conditions.  Rainstorms can bring heavy rain and rapid runoff from burned areas.  Residents and visitors should remain alert to weather events and plan ahead when travelling along roads and trails within and downstream from the burned areas on the White River National Forest (NF).

 

The Forest Service Burned Area Emergency Response (BAER) team with the White River NF assessed post fire conditions of the watersheds on federal land that were burned in the Grizzly Creek Fire. The BAER assessment team identifies potential emergency threats to critical values-at-risk and recommends emergency response actions that are implemented on federal lands to reduce potential threats. 

 

For values and resources potentially impacted off National Forest System lands, one of the most effective BAER strategies is its interagency coordination with local cooperators who assist affected businesses, homes, and landowners prepare for rain events.  The Forest Service and Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) work together and coordinate with other federal, state, and local agencies, and counties that assist private landowners in preparing for increased run-off and potential flooding.

 

Federal assistance to private landowners is administered by NRCS through the Emergency Watershed Protection (EWP) program (www.nrcs.usda.gov/wps/portal/nrcs/main/national/programs/landscape/ewpp/).  NRCS and the Resource Conservation Districts work with local governments (sponsors) to implement emergency measures in the wake of natural disasters to safeguard human lives, property, and natural resources. 

 

NRCS and local sponsors prepare damage survey reports for eligible sites on private lands adjacent to and downstream from affected areas.  NRCS uses these reports, along with the BAER team’s assessment report, to develop emergency measures to reduce the impacts from potential increased water and debris flows, and assist sponsors to implement recommended emergency measures (www.nrcs.usda.gov/Internet/FSE_DOCUMENTS/stelprdb1045263.pdf).

 

Multiple agencies work with BAER teams and look at the full scope and scale of the situation to reduce the potential threats to human life and safety, and property; however, BAER emergency stabilization actions on federal lands cannot prevent all of the potential flooding or soil erosion impacts, especially after wildfires change the landscape.

 

It is important that residents take steps to protect themselves and their property from flooding and debris flows:

 

- For their safety, communities need to monitor local weather reports and public safety bulletins, local road closures, emergency notifications, weather alerts, follow local county and city advisories, and act accordingly.

 

- Use a “weather radio” or smart phone “weather app” that monitors “all hazards” alerts issued by the NOAA-National Weather Service (www.nws.noaa.gov/nwr/).

 

- Prepare for rainstorms by being prepared to evacuate if county or city emergency officials determine that flooding and debris flows are expected which could pose an increased threat to human life, safety, and property. Practice evacuations prior to real events.

 

- Know and be alert to environmental signs of dangerous weather conditions and be prepared to take action that can save lives.

 

- Understand that all drainages within and downstream of burned areas can produce flash flooding.

 

- If you find yourself in a flood, climb to safety (seek higher ground).

 

- Even if the water appears shallow enough to cross, don’t try it by vehicle or foot. Water hides dips in the road – worse yet, there may be no road left under the water as flooding can scour away the entire road surface and ground beneath the road.

    

Interagency Resources for Flood and Storm Preparedness and Emergency Information

 

Local Counties

 

The following local County Offices of Emergency Services and Management promote preparedness through its emergency services programs to assist the public to prepare for, respond appropriately to, and quickly recover from natural emergencies that may impact county residents and visitors:

Garfield County Emergency Notification System Alerts

Garfield County Emergency Management

Garfield County Flash Flood Preparation

Flash Flooding Burn Scar Threat

 

State Agencies

 

These websites provide information about resources that are available from Colorado State agencies, departments and organizations:

Colorado State Resources for Wildfire, Erosion, Flooding Information

Current Status of Colorado Flood Threats

Information About the Colorado Post-Fire Playbook

Colorado Post-Fire Playbook

Colorado Division of Emergency Management

 

Other Federal Agencies

 

The US Army Corps of Engineers (Corps) coordinates its Emergency Management program with the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and local governments to provide engineering services to respond to national and natural disasters in order to minimize damages and help in recovery efforts. Public Law 84-99 enables the Corps to assist state and local authorities in flood fight activities and cost share in the repair of flood protection structures. Public Law 93-288 authorizes FEMA to task the Corps with disaster recovery missions under the Federal Response Plan: www.usace.army.mil/Missions/EmergencyOperations/NationalResponseFramework/FloodControl.aspx.

 

Homes or businesses that could be impacted by flooding from federal land that resulted from wildfires may be eligible for flood insurance coverage from the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP).  Information about NFIP is available through FEMA at www.fema.gov/wildfires-you-need-flood-insurance or www.fema.gov/national-flood-insurance-program. Other flood preparedness information is available at www.ready.gov/floods at www.floodsmart.gov/.

 

Flood Safety Tips and Resources can be found at the NOAA National Weather Service (NWS) website at https://www.weather.gov/safety/flood.  The NWS-Grand Junction office created a website featuring information about current river conditions is located at: https://water.weather.gov/ahps2/index.php?wfo=GJT.  And the NWS and Forest Service discuss Monsoon Storm Awareness in this video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bgK0GVrJyRo.

 

SPECIAL NOTE: Everyone near and downstream from the burned areas should remain alert and stay updated on weather conditions that may result in heavy rains over the burn scars. Flash flooding may occur quickly during heavy rain events-be prepared to take action. Current weather and emergency notifications can be found at the National Weather Service website: www.weather.gov/gjt/.

USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) received $3.75 million in Emergency Watershed Protection (EWP) Program funding to assist with wildfire recovery efforts for the Pine Gulch/Grizzly Creek/Cameron Peak and Williams Fork fires.

The EWP program is managed and administered by the NRCS and is designed to relieve imminent hazards to life and property caused by hurricanes, floods, fires, windstorms, and other natural disasters. “This allocation will be used to plan, design & install treatments which will reduce erosion, associated sedimentation, debris flows and curtail the threat of future flooding to protect life and property on non-federal lands,” said Todd Boldt, EWP Coordinator for the NRCS in Colorado.

“EWP requires close collaboration at the local, state and national levels to ensure success. Leadership and timing are always critical factors in the success of the program” Boldt goes on to share. “Therefore, NRCS in Colorado took the lead to implement an innovative approach of combining fire recovery efforts into one EWP request. This allows us and the sponsors to expediate assistance to the affected communities and landowners dealing with the aftermath of these devastating fires.”

In a recent press release, Senator Michael Bennet said, "We're deeply grateful to NRCS for quickly and efficiently approving these funds to mitigate damage in Colorado communities affected by wildfires."

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