The Town of Winter Park recognizes that open fires can be a prime cause of forest and brush fires within Grand County and that smoke from open fires can be a nuisance and a health hazard.

The Town of Winter Park prohibits open fires and burning within the town limits without prior approval and authorization. This ban does not extend to BBQ grills or enclosed patio fire pits.

Approval for open burning may be given to owners of larger tracts of land, +50 acres, provided they meet the conditions set forth by the Grand County Division of Natural Resources 970.887.0745.

The Town of Winter Park recognizes that the Mountain Pine Beetle epidemic has created excessive material to be disposed of. The Town of Winter Park will aid homeowners in disposing of this excess material by hauling off logs and slash. This Town-provided removal of logs and slash does not apply to material created as a result of commercial tree removal or site clearing by a contractor in preparation for building. The removal program will run from May 18, 2009 through October 15, 2009.

Our forests are undergoing a dramatic change and presents a pressing issue for residents and vistors alike. Past decisions regarding forest management statewide have resulted in homogenous forests that are more vulnerable to disease and pest infestations. In recent years, an infestation of mountain pine beetles in our lodgepole pines has occurred and is expected to result in a tree mortality rate exceeding 90%.

Our Town Council and the community as a whole is aware of the benefits provided by our forests - clean air, clean water, diverse habitat, thriving recreation-based economies, and quality of life. This awareness motivated them to take a pro-active role early on. The Town began assisting homeowners in 2004 in the marking and removal of infested trees on private and public property. A mill levy passed the same year by the voters raises about $185,000 annually for forest management. In 2005 a Forester and crew were hired to assist in marking and removing infected trees from property within the town limits. This year the Town has hired an additional forestry crew in response to requests from homeowners. To view this year's Forest Mangement Letter, follow this link.

We have a responsibility to protect our homes and properties by removing fuels and creating defensible spaces. The Town is working actively to aid homeowners in this task and encourages everyone to actively participate in the management of our forests. For more information on forest health and how you can take an active role, check out the following websites:

Bureau of Land Management - Colorado

Colorado State Forest Service

Firewise Communities

Rocky Mountain Wildfire Information

Smokey the Bear

United States Forest Service - Sulphur Ranger District