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Lake Dorothy State Wildlife Area Reopens After Schwachheim Fire Containment
Description: CPW Photo/Justin Morris. Lake Dorothy State Wildlife Area reopened May 1 after 100 percent containment of the Schwachheim Fire, which burned 1,582 acres near the Colorado–New Mexico state line.
Lake Dorothy SWA reopens; CPW contacting impacted hunters
TRINIDAD, Colo. – The Lake Dorothy State Wildlife Area near the Colorado–New Mexico state line has reopened following 100 percent containment of the Schwachheim Fire. The SWA reopened to licensed hunters and anglers May 1.
The fire burned approximately 1,582 acres within the state wildlife area after igniting April 12. The SWA was temporarily closed to ensure public safety as fire response crews worked in steep terrain and challenging wind conditions. Colorado Parks and Wildlife is now coordinating with partners as recovery efforts begin.
Colorado Parks and Wildlife is contacting approximately 50 turkey hunters with site-specific hunting licenses who were impacted by the fire. These hunters will have an option to choose a license refund and restoration of preference points, or to continue hunting. This effort is expected to conclude by May 11.
Colorado Parks and Wildlife field staff are working with the City of Raton to assess on-the-ground conditions and identify restoration priorities. While suppression efforts created firebreaks and disturbed select areas, much of the vegetation across the property remains intact.
“This fire largely burned at a low to moderate intensity, which can play a beneficial role in maintaining healthy wildlife habitat,” said Mike Brown, CPW Area Wildlife Manager. “We’re already seeing early signs of green-up, which will provide nutritious forage for wildlife in the weeks ahead.”
Brown, his team, and the City of Raton are developing plans to stabilize and restore impacted areas, including reseeding firebreaks, repairing parking areas and addressing potential erosion concerns to protect watershed health and support long-term recovery.
“Colorado Parks and Wildlife is grateful for the hundreds of firefighters who worked in difficult conditions to contain this fire and protect the surrounding landscape,” said Brown. “Their efforts made it possible for recovery work to begin quickly and safely.”
Lake Dorothy State Wildlife Area spans approximately 4,500 acres at elevations ranging from 7,511 to 9,079 feet within Game Management Unit 140. The property provides hunting opportunities for bear, deer, elk and turkey, along with fishing in cold water lakes and streams. Visitors also use the area for hiking, wildlife viewing and other outdoor recreation, with basic facilities including restrooms available on site. For more information and current access updates, visit the Lake Dorothy State Wildlife Area webpage.
