PSICC finalizes decision for Lower North-South Vegetation Management Project

CONIFER, Colo., July 3, 2025 —The Pike-San Isabel National Forests & Cimarron and Comanche National Grasslands Forest and Grassland Supervisor Ryan Nehl signed and posted the decision notice and finding of no significant impact for the Lower North-South Vegetation Management Project. The decision approves a multiyear project that will begin this summer to use a combination of vegetation treatments on 113,649 acres in the Pike National Forest.

Forest Service crews, partners and contractors will implement a combination of vegetation treatments, including hand and mechanical thinning, planned prescribed fire and targeted herbicide application, to enhance forest health and reduce wildfire risk across Jefferson, Park, Douglas and Teller counties. These actions will increase public value by improving community and watershed protections, safeguarding natural resources, and ensuring our forests remain resilient and productive for present and future generations.

National forests are in crisis due to uncharacteristically severe wildfires, insect and disease outbreaks, invasive species and other stressors. The project is in an area identified as having a high or very high wildfire hazard potential, which led to its identification as an emergency action under section 40807 of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, thus bypassing the 36 CFR 218 objection process.

The environmental analysis process included two public scoping periods, virtual and in-person public meetings and one 30-day comment period through which the Forest Service received letters from many individuals and organizations. Nehl considered the public comments, input from resource specialists and relevant laws, regulations and policies in making the decision.

The decision notice, finding of no significant impact and other project-related documents are available on the project webpage.

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