TRI STATE BLACK FOREST VEGETATION MANAGEMENT PROJECT
Black Forest Vegetation Management Project
Tri-State Generation and Transmission Association will conduct vegetation management along several 115-kilovolt transmission line corridors within the Black Forest Fire Protection District. Work is scheduled to begin in October 2026 and continue through February 2027.
The identified transmission lines were prioritized through Tri-State’s Wildfire Risk Assessment. Managing vegetation within and adjacent to transmission line rights-of-way helps reduce the risk of vegetation-related power outages and ignition from trees growing into energized lines. It can also improve the ability of transmission infrastructure to withstand wildfire.
This is a Tri-State Generation and Transmission Association project, not a Black Forest Fire Rescue vegetation-removal program.
0826 Black Forest Veg Mgmt Fact Sheet FINAL
Where Work Will Occur
Work will take place primarily within existing transmission line rights-of-way that cross forested areas, rural properties, and residential developments throughout the Black Forest area.
When authorization is granted, Tri-State may also remove hazard trees located adjacent to a right-of-way when those trees pose a threat to the safe operation of the transmission lines.
The project includes portions of the following transmission lines:
- Black Forest Tap–Gresham 115kV Line
- Black Forest Tap–Black Squirrel 115kV Line
- Emil Anderson–Fox Run 115kV Line
- Black Forest–Black Forest Tap 115kV Line
- Fox Run–Gresham 115kV Line
- Black Squirrel–Meridian Ranch 115kV Line
- Black Squirrel–Vollmer Tap 115kV Line
Please review the downloadable project map to see the general treatment areas.
Anticipated Schedule
The schedule may change based on weather, field conditions, and property-access requirements.
| Project Phase | Anticipated Timing |
|---|---|
| Project mobilization | October 5–30, 2026 |
| Vegetation management activities | October 2026–February 2027 |
| Debris removal and site restoration | November 2026–February 2027 |
| Final inspections and project closeout | February 2027 |
Project Activities
Tri-State states that work will be performed with the goal of minimizing impacts to private property and in accordance with utility vegetation-management standards and environmental best practices.
Planned activities include:
- Removing incompatible trees and woody vegetation within transmission line rights-of-way
- Identifying and removing authorized hazard trees that could fall into or contact transmission lines
- Removing material from the right-of-way for off-site processing
- Reducing fuel loads that could contribute to wildfire spread
- Implementing traffic control as needed to protect residents and work crews
Community Benefits
The project is intended to:
- Improve the reliability of the regional electric transmission system
- Reduce vegetation-related power interruptions
- Improve access for maintenance and emergency response
- Support wildfire mitigation efforts in the Black Forest area
- Help protect critical electric infrastructure serving Tri-State’s member cooperative
Questions and Contact Information
For questions about project activities, scheduling, or property access, contact:
Joel Ford
Tri-State Land Rights and Permitting Department
joel.ford@tristategt.org
720-872-7171
Daryn Kramer
Tri-State Land Rights and Permitting Department
daryn.kramer@tristategt.org
303-254-3419
For questions about Tri-State’s Wildfire Mitigation Program, contact:
Diana Leiker
Tri-State Wildfire Mitigation Manager
303-254-3565
Important Note
Questions about individual properties, access authorization, tree removal, scheduling, or project operations should be directed to Tri-State using the contact information above. Black Forest Fire Rescue does not determine which trees will be removed or coordinate access to private property.
