Substantial work began this week on the Booth Creek fuels reduction project. Work includes hand cutting and piling of material in the Booth Creek Drainage and machine cutting and piling in the Spraddle Creek drainage. The project is an ongoing joint effort between the U.S. Forest Service (USFS), Town of Vail, Colorado Parks and Wildlife and Eagle County. Once completed, the work will substantially reduce wildfire risk to the community while also improving wildlife habitat.  

This summer’s work is focused on preparing the area for future prescribed fires within the project area. Work is already visible above Katsos Ranch and the Booth Creek Trailhead and will extend west towards the Town of Vail Public Works property. This week, work began in Spraddle Creek and will focus on an 86-acre area of dead and dying trees approximately one mile north of the Vail Stables. More than 250 acres are expected to be treated in 2026 with the full project area totaling approximately 3,000 acres.  

While most of the activities will occur away from roads or trails, community members are asked to use caution while in the areas and avoid being within 250 feet of working equipment.  Temporary closures in the Spraddle Creek area may occur while the contractor works on Spraddle Creek Road. Dust may also be visible in the area. 

The project is made possible through a partnership and funding from all the participating organizations, including the Town of Vail, USFS, Colorado Parks and Wildlife and Eagle County. To date the partnership has completed the environmental analysis of the project as well as approximately 100 acres of work on USFS and Town of Vail lands.  

For more information, contact Paul Cada, Wildland Battalion Chief with Vail Fire & Emergency Services, at 970-477-3475 or at pcada@vail.gov.