Steamboat Springs — The city of Steamboat Springs is collaborating with the Colorado State Forest Service to implement a Hazard Tree Mitigation Project on Emerald Mountain this summer.

Work began in July and is expected to last through mid-October 2016. This project will complete the planned tree removal operations of beetle kill trees that began in 2010.

The city will be working with Routt County Riders and executing planned volunteer work days to get trails reopened as quickly as possible. Additionally, there will be opportunities to re-route unsustainable sections of trails (Root Canal, Stairway to Heaven, Abby’s) during this process.

The trail closures, which may change depending on weather conditions and ground challenges, are as follows:

Aug. 1 to Oct. 15:  Root Canal, Upper and Middle Stairway to Heaven, Upper No Mo’ Bluez

Sept. 6 to 30: Upper Morning Gloria

An tentatively, there will be one full day closure of the majority of the Emerald Mountain Trail System on Sept. 22 to 23 while helicopter logging and tree removal is in progress. Final dates will be confirmed and communicated the week of Sept. 19.

Access to the backside of the mountain remains open via Lower No Mo’ Bluez to Wild Rose and Lane of Pain. Beall and Ridge Trails will not be affected by this project and will remain open.

Races such as Run Rabbit Run will occur as scheduled.