~ Colorado Springs, CO - The Colorado Springs Fire Department's Mitigation Section, in collaboration with Colorado Springs Parks, Recreation and Cultural Services (PRCS) and City Forestry staff, will be conducting fire mitigation work in Stratton Open Space starting in August. This joint effort aims to reduce the risk of wildfires and protect the natural environment and wildlife.

The prevention efforts will include various measures such as limbing, thinning stand density, chipping dead and down woody debris, and removing live, dead, and diseased standing vegetation. These actions are crucial in reducing the potential for catastrophic wildfires that not only threaten nearby communities but also wildlife habitat, recreation resources, biological areas, and natural and cultural resources.

Cory Ashby, the wildfire program coordinator for the Colorado Springs Fire Department, emphasized the importance of this work. "Fire mitigation work in open space areas not only helps protect the natural environment and wildlife but also reduces the risk of catastrophic wildfires that threaten nearby communities," he said. "By creating defensible space and strategically managing vegetation, we aim to create a safer environment and greatly improve the overall resilience of Stratton Open Space."

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Over 260 acres of land will be mitigated while maintaining the natural character of the open space in relation to its surrounding area. This includes preserving recreational opportunities as well as managing natural and cultural resources.

While Stratton Open Space will remain open during these mitigation efforts, intermittent closures of certain trails may be necessary. Trail users are advised to follow all signs and detours and use caution around work areas.

This is not the first time that CSFD has worked with PRCS and City Forestry on strategic mitigation projects. In November 2020, their collaborative efforts near Bear Creek Regional Park were credited for quickly controlling the "Bear Creek Fire" without any damage to property. The fire had threatened the Skyway neighborhood but was contained before reaching any property fence lines.

To learn more about the fire mitigation efforts in Stratton Open Space, visit ColoradoSprings.gov/Stratton. The joint effort between CSFD, PRCS, and City Forestry serves as a reminder of the importance of proactive measures in protecting communities and natural resources from the devastating effects of wildfires.

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