Temporary Trail, River and Area Closure during Prescribed Burn in Piedra Area
The Pagosa District may be conducting a prescribed burn in the Piedra Area when conditions are acceptable, possibly between May 1 and May 20. The burn unit is 2,200 acres in size and is located between Davis Creek on the east, First Fork and Piedra River to the south, and Coldwater Creek on the west. Snows upslope in wetter forest types will border the burn area to the north. The location is roughly eighteen miles northwest of Pagosa Springs.
For public safety, closures to trails, river boating and areas will occur during and after the burn period. Notice of when the actual burn will take place could be very short.
The Piedra River Trail (#596) and the area it accesses will be closed to entry between the trailhead at First Fork and the junction with the Sand Creek Trail. (See map). The temporary closure will begin on the day of the burn and may continue for two weeks or more.
The Piedra River will be closed to any boating during the actual burning operations which will last two to five days. Signs will be posted at the Upper Piedra Trailhead and boat put-in. The First Fork Road (#622) is currently closed due to the condition of the road. If the road opens before the closure period, boaters may launch at the end of First Fork Road to run the lower section of the Piedra River, even while the burn is being conducted.
You may call the Pagosa Public Lands office of the San Juan Public Lands at 970-264-2268 to receive updates on the status of the Piedra Burn and entry closures. A recording regarding the status of the burn and associated closures will be available at that number after hours and on weekends.
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