The San Juan National Forest has reopened areas that were previously shut down due to the Stoner Mesa Fire. According to an update from the U.S. Forest Service, as of Wednesday, Oct. 8, Taylor Mesa is accessible to the public, and by Friday, Oct. 10, Stoner Mesa road and trail systems were also again open. These re-openings come just in time for hunters, with big-game rifle seasons about to start.
"We really appreciate the hunting community that respected these critical closures and allowed fire crews to safely work in the area," CPW District Wildlife Manager Matt Sturdevant stated, as per Colorado Parks and Wildlife. He added, "It is because of the hard work of all the personnel working this fire that these closures are now being rescinded, and we thank everyone involved in helping contain the fire." Although the fire itself has been contained, fire crews and heavy equipment are expected to stay on site to complete suppression efforts and rehabilitation of the fire line. Visitors to the area should thus be prepared to encounter ongoing operations, which may, to some extent, disrupt hunting activities.
The Stoner Mesa Fire, which consumed 10,249 acres across Montezuma and Dolores counties, is now under control. Cooler weather and recent precipitation have greatly aided in the firefighting effort. However, Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) urges hunters to remain vigilant about the potential dangers following a wildfire. Flash flooding and debris flows are still a concern, especially in steep areas downstream from the burned land.
CPW has made efforts to ensure that hunters are well-informed on the current and changing conditions statewide. The agency recently updated the Colorado Hunting Atlas, a tool that provides useful information, including updates on active wildfires and access to hunting units. CPW, which relies heavily on license sales and park fees for funding, manages an extensive array of natural resources and recreational areas. Through its work, CPW contributes an estimated $6 billion annually to Colorado's economy.
