The Summit County Wildfire Council may face some worked-up citizens at its meeting today, as residents of the Peak 7 neighborhood rally to scrutinize a major forest health logging proposal.

In its early stages, the plan includes large clear-cuts up the flanks of the Tenmile Range near the county subdivision. The project includes other areas around Breckenridge, but the plan for the Peak 7 area has drawn the most attention.

Summit County officials, state foresters, the U.S. Forest Service and the Town of Breckenridge have worked closely to identify at-risk areas and to focus limited financial resources on protecting homes.

County commissioners said at a work session Tuesday the council is prepared to hear the views of Peak 7 residents at the Wildfire Council meeting.

But in this case, some people who live in the area are concerned forest managers are going too far. They claim the project would negatively affect the Peaks Trail, as well as wildlife habitat in the area.

Colorado Wild, an environmental group that watchdogs the Forest Service, has also chimed in, asking the agency to scale back the clear-cuts in some areas and to make sure that areas with spruce trees are left alone.

Jan Cutts, the district ranger for Summit County, said she heard the concerns loud and clear. The Forest Service plans to hold another open house on the project and is scheduling a site visit on either Saturday or Monday. To sign up and choose a preferred date, call the Dillon Ranger District at (970) 468-5400.

For all the documents on the Breckenridge forest health project, including maps, go to http://bit.ly/6pXlEW.