The San Juan National Forest’s Columbine Ranger District and Edgemont Highlands Community Association are coordinating for a temporary detour of the Pioneer Trail. Edgemont Highlands Community Association is beginning a goat-led wildfire mitigation project near the trail. The trail will be detoured when the goat herd begins work Wednesday, May 26 through June 6.
The project area is 13 acres, encompassing the Pioneer Trail. Approximately 100 adult goats and their kids will be doing the hard work of reducing these fuels. It is overgrown with Gambel oak and Western snowberry brush. The goats provide natural fuels mitigation by removing the brush and leaving the larger, older oak stems. This reduces ladder fuels, which carry fire into the tree canopy. The goat mitigation efforts will continue for three successive field seasons to create defensible space for Edgemont Highlands homes.
Pioneer Trail detour signs will be posted directing visitors to the appropriate detour. Mountain bikers have typically used the Pioneer Trail to travel down to Florida Road (County Road 240). This will not be an option. Mountain bikers going up Missionary Ridge Road or Nusbaum Road will continue east for 1.3 miles, then take a left on Sortais Road, continuing to Nusbaum Road. They will need to reverse those directions when coming down from Missionary Ridge. Hikers should find alternative places to hike in the area. The goat herd will have a full-time herder, two livestock guardian dogs, and herding dogs always. Visitors should avoid the area if possible.
Follow these safety guidelines if you encounter livestock:
- Leash your dogs, keep them under control and away from livestock and working dogs.
- Please do not approach or harass livestock or working dogs.
- If you encounter livestock, make them aware of your presence and move slowly. Walk around and do not walk-through groups of livestock.
For more information, please contact the Columbine Ranger District at (970) 884-2512.
For information on current fire restrictions, conditions, and recreation opportunities on the San Juan National Forest, call (970) 247-4874, or visit the forest website.
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