Thinning project

Multiple agencies have begun the Rampart Range Fuel Break Project, which is intended to reduce the risk of high-severity wildfires, improve forest health and protect adjacent communities.

Phase 1 of the project will include 25 units encompassing over 750 acres. Operations will happen December through April annually. This thinning will utilize mechanized thinning treatments with heavy equipment to reduce the potential for initial fire spread from the forest floor to treetops and reduce the amount of hazardous fuels. Many of these areas will be treated with prescribed fire in the future to reduce surface fuels and help prevent catastrophic, high-intensity wildfire.

The project is being conducted by the Pike-San Isabel National Forests & Cimarron and Comanche National Grasslands and the National Forest Foundation. It aims to reduce mountain pine beetle and other insect infestations and protect watersheds and wildlife habitat by creating fuel breaks in strategic locations.

Rampart Range Road is one of the most highly used roads on the Pike National Forest and provides a popular setting for off-highway vehicle enthusiasts and other recreationists. The road is also used to access private land that exists within the National Forest System boundary.

Expect additional truck traffic during operations. For public safety, small areas of the national forest will not be accessible during operations. Please adhere to all signage and be aware of any temporary closures.

Education accolades

Ethan Mathews of Monument graduated Summa Cum Laude from the University of North Dakota on Dec. 19. He was conveyed a Bachelor of Science Degree in Aeronautics, Commercial Aviation. He was also named to the fall 2025 president’s honor roll.

Carolyna Truong of Monument was named to the fall 2025 dean’s list at the College of Saint Mary. Truong is a senior majoring in Biology.

Jacquelyn Klewsaat of Monument fall 2025 chancellor’s list, the highest academic honor for undergraduates during the semester at the University of Arkansas. Klewsaat is majoring in Psychology.

Wyatt Rankin of Monument was named to the fall 2025 dean’s list at Lee University in Cleveland, Tenn.

Marc Fletemeyer of Larkspur was named to the fall 2025 dean’s list at Saint Mary’s University in Winona, Minn.

Isabella Bradshaw of Monument was named to the fall 2025 dean’s honor roll at the University of Mississippi. Bradshaw is majoring in Integrated Marketing.