One year after the Black Forest fire, the Black Forest Trails Section 16 is open for business. Charred trees have been removed and the trail has been rebuilt, at the hands of Volunteers for Outdoor Colorado.Steve Wall, VOC projects and operations manager, said erosion control is an ongoing process. ìOur upcoming project for the area is continuing with erosion control,î Wall said. ìWe plan on putting down some log erosion barriers, as well as seeding and mulching.îTo celebrate VOCís 30th anniversary, they are organizing volunteer projects, including Section 16. ìWe are doing nine projects to highlight our 30 years, and this is one of them,î Wall said. He said they are also planning special programs, including guest speakers.Jason Meyer of El Paso County Parks and Recreation said he hopes people will get back out and enjoy the trails. He said the trails and restrooms are open at Section 16, as well as Black Forest Regional Park. Meyer said it is important to stay on the trails and not venture into the open spaces. ìThe open space still has damaged trees that might fall or cause other harm to the public, so we are just asking that they stay out of those areas,î Meyer said.To sign up and volunteer with VOC, visit http://.voc.org.
