The U.S. Forest Service Arapaho and Roosevelt National Forests and Pawnee National Grassland released the following press release:
Black Hawk, Colo. (June 12, 2025) – The Misery Timber Sale, located on the north end of Clear Creek Ranger District between Pickle Gulch and Cold Springs campgrounds in Black Hawk, is nearing completion. This contract, part of the Yankee Hill Fuel Treatment Project, was awarded as a timber sale in December 2020. Some units were left uncut in 2021 due to a seasonal goshawk restriction, and operations are now resuming to complete the work. The timber sale was purchased by Colorado Timber Resources, who plans to begin this final phase as early as next week.
The Yankee Hill Fuel Treatment Project aims to reduce wildfire intensity and slow the spread of potential fires on National Forest by modifying vegetation structure, removing excess fuel loads, opening the forest canopy, and reinforcing existing fuel breaks.
The final logging phase is planned to take approximately 3-4 weeks with the remaining harvest units (17a, 18 and 19) located on administrative roads behind locked gates, minimizing public impact. However, local communities should expect to see logging activity and truck traffic on Highway 119 through Black Hawk. Operations are limited from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily, with no Sunday work, to reduce disruption to nearby neighborhoods, including those off Crest View Drive and Missouri Lakes.
All lodgepole pine measuring five inches diameter at breast height or greater, except for designated wildlife trees, will be mechanically cut and removed. All merchantable timber will be transported off the Forest. Forest Service system roads will be used for hauling, specifically Forest Service Road 781.2 and Crest View Drive, with the contractor being responsible for all standard pre, during, and post-haul road maintenance.
For more information visit Yankee Hill Fuel Treatment Project.