Home

Steamboat Springs — Steamboat Springs' Rogue Resources started removing beetle-killed trees at Seedhouse Campground in North Routt County on Wednesday, according to the U.S. Forest Service.

Rogue is subcontracting for Sweat, of Florida, for work that was awarded as part of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, the federal stimulus package. About 30 people are working to remove about 40,000 dead trees throughout 10 days, according to information from Diann Ritschard, spokeswoman for the Routt National Forest. Seedhouse Campground is closed, she said.

Rocky Mountain Youth Corps also is working on the project.

The funds also will be used to remove roadside hazard trees from Forest Road 100 from Red Dirt to U.S. Highway 40; Forest Road 550 north of Columbine through Whiskey Park; Forest Road 80 from Hog Park to the town of Pearl; and forest roads in the Big Creek Lakes area.

Fire department to host free academy Saturday

For those interested in a look at what it means to be a firefighter, Steamboat Springs Fire Rescue is holding its first "Citizens Fire Academy" on Saturday.

"It's kind of a day to let the public know what the fire department does," said firefighter Craig Malchow, who is leading the event. "We're just trying to educate the public on what we do : just so people can meet the men and women who serve them day in and day out."

In addition to classroom instruction, Malchow said there will be lots of hands-on training and demonstrations. The academy is free and lasts from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Participants will have a chance to try on fire gear, use a fire hose, participate in scenarios, and there will be demonstrations about how to use fire extinguishers.

"A lot of people have them in their house collecting dust," Malchow said, "but they don't know how to use them or maintain them."

For more information or to reserve a spot, call Malchow at 879-7170.