By Frank Mosbacher

Many roads and trails throughout the Eldorado National Forest are blocked by trees the wind blew over. Forest Service personnel and visitors are reporting that many roads and trails within the Eldorado National Forest are not passable due to trees that fell during recent high winds.

As a result, travelers may find themselves on a road or trail that appears to be open but is impassable due to fallen trees.

“I am concerned about the safety of forest travelers when they are traveling on any forest roads or trails,” says Eldorado National Forest Supervisor Kathy Hardy. “I am also concerned that people will attempt to drive around blocked routes and cause environmental damage. This week we are reviewing the situation and looking at our options.”

Hardy says woodcutters with a fuelwood permit can cut trees that are on the ground and blocking roads. The permits can be purchased at all Eldorado National Forest district offices.

Currently, the seasonal closure of dirt roads and trails, due to wet weather conditions, is not in effect. This could change with a major change in the weather or if too many routes are blocked by trees which cause unsafe conditions for forest visitors. Visitors should check the Eldorado National Forest Service website for seasonal road and trail closure information.

“Our funding to pay for removing downed trees to open roads and trails is rather meager, to say the least,” said Hardy. “We anticipate that some roads and trails will remain blocked into next year and maybe beyond. Visitors will need to do their part in protecting forest lands by not driving around trees that are closing routes.”

Frank Mosbacher works for the Eldorado National Forest.