(COLORADO SPRINGS) — The Colorado Springs Fire Department (CSFD) Mitigation Section and Colorado Springs Parks, Recreation, and Cultural Services (PRCS) will be conducting fire mitigation work at Palmer Park beginning the week of Monday, Aug. 26.

Prevention work aims to reduce wildfire risk to wildlife habitats, recreation resources, biological areas, natural and cultural resources as well as to surrounding neighborhoods and public property. Prevention efforts include reducing fuels by limbing, thinning stand density, chipping of any dead and down woody debris, and the removal of live, dead, and diseased standing vegetation.

Palmer Park will remain open during mitigation efforts. However, closures in some trails may be necessary to minimize the impact on the community while creating a safe working environment. Trail users should expect to see forestry machinery, chippers, and hand-working crews with chainsaws.

Individuals are advised to use caution around work areas, and required to follow all signs and detours.

Efforts like these aim to create defensible space adjacent to and in conjunction with residential property while maintaining the natural character of public lands. CSFD works regularly with PRCS and City Forestry to manage strategic mitigation projects.