The U.S. Forest Service wants to cut down trees and conduct controlled burns to thin forests near Red Feather Lakes and reduce the risk of wildfires.

Agency officials say they want to eliminate trees with small-diameter trunks on about 10,000 acres, and set controlled fires on at least 6,000 acres.

They say similar projects are in the works along the Front Range, particularly in areas where structures have been built near federal forests.

The agency has scheduled a meeting next week at the Red Feather Lakes Fire Department to detail the project for residents.