The Marshall Mesa Trailhead will now be just a figurative, not literal, hotspot for mountain biking, horseback riding and hiking.
This underground coal seam fire had been smoldering since possibly as early as the late 1800s, but was finally fully extinguished thanks to recent excavation and restoration of the site. The surrounding area can also now return to vegetated wildlife habitat, as before the fire was extinguished the vegetation had to be severely cut back to reduce wildfire risk.
Coal seam fires contribute to climate change by releasing methane and carbon dioxide, and they can potentially spark forest fires which are a particularly high risk in dry, fire-prone climates like much of Colorado.
From the article:
“We all remember so well the devastation of the Marshall Fire not too long ago, right here in our community,” said U.S. Representative Joe Neguse during a press conference. “And to know that this particular threat will now be resolved long into the future is an important preventative step that I think the state of Colorado and our local government partners should be deeply proud of.”
