Frisco Backyard Project Update Shared with Town Council

Focus shifts to implementation after Forest Service presentation.

Apr. 8, 2026 at 10:54pm

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A vibrant, pop art-inspired illustration featuring a repeated pattern of a hiking boot in shades of green, blue, and orange, conveying the project's focus on outdoor recreation and community resilience.The Frisco Backyard project aims to balance wildfire mitigation and recreational enhancements in the scenic Colorado town.Frisco Today

Representatives from the U.S. Forest Service provided an update on the Frisco Backyard Fuels and Recreation Project to the Frisco Town Council at a recent meeting. The White River National Forest's acting district ranger Sam Massman and fuels planner Kat Gray discussed the project's progress and next steps.

Why it matters

The Frisco Backyard project aims to address wildfire risks and enhance recreational opportunities in the area surrounding the town. As a popular outdoor destination, the project's implementation will have significant impacts on the local community and environment.

The details

The Forest Service representatives highlighted key aspects of the project, including fuel reduction efforts to mitigate wildfire threats and plans to improve hiking trails and other recreational amenities. The presentation focused on the next phase of the project, which will involve further community engagement and coordination with the town to ensure a smooth implementation process.

  • The update was provided at the Frisco Town Council meeting on March 24, 2026.
  • The Frisco Backyard Fuels and Recreation Project has been ongoing for several years.

The players

Sam Massman

Acting district ranger for the White River National Forest.

Kat Gray

Fuels planner for the White River National Forest.

Frisco Town Council

The governing body of the town of Frisco, Colorado.

White River National Forest

A national forest managed by the U.S. Forest Service, covering a large area of central Colorado.

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What they’re saying

“The Frisco Backyard project is a critical initiative that will help protect our community from wildfire risks while also enhancing the recreational opportunities that are so important to our local economy and quality of life.”

— Sam Massman, Acting district ranger, White River National Forest

“We're excited to work closely with the town of Frisco to ensure a smooth implementation process that addresses the needs and concerns of the local community.”

— Kat Gray, Fuels planner, White River National Forest

What’s next

The Forest Service and Frisco Town Council will continue to collaborate on the project's implementation, including further community engagement and coordination on specific plans and timelines.

The takeaway

The Frisco Backyard project represents a comprehensive effort to enhance the town's resilience to wildfire while also improving recreational amenities, demonstrating the Forest Service's commitment to working closely with local communities on critical environmental and public safety initiatives.