Eagles Nest Wilderness Area Fuels Reduction Project
The Willow Brook Metropolitan District completed a 'first in the nation' (and maybe only project) fuels reduction project within congressionally delegated Wilderness Area lands. As a part of a congressionally designated wilderness area, no mechanized equipment may be used for any purpose - including firefighting.
Ruby Ranch is a unique parcel of land within the U.S. because we have a direct border with the Eagles Nest Wilderness Area. Other areas around the country tend to have a 'buffer zone' of USFS or other lands between the Wilderness Designated area and private land.
The USFS, Dillon Ranger District Chief Forester Adam Bianchi was able to stand up for the Willow Brook Metropolitan District and Ruby Ranch as Firewise 'good neighbors' to the Forest and created an Administrative Exemption to allow hand work within the Eagles Nest Wilderness Area Boundaries.
Our WBMD Board met with and worked with USFS, Colorado State Forest, County officials, and local officials and our community to get us 'over the line' and complete the job. WBMD was able to secure grants that covered roughly 2/3 of the cost. This project required:
- A NEPA (National Environmental Protection Act) Survey. This survey proved that the project would not affect endangered species or disturb historic artifacts.
- Working with the USFS to administer the work.
- Coordinate with the county, local, and national figures to help bring in grant funding (2/3 of the project was provided by grants from other agencies)
- Find and hire a USFS approved forestry group to do the hand saw, hand pile work.
Watch our videos on how this all came together! The project not only serves as a fuel break for our community, but is also vital to the town of Silverthorne and neighboring communities.