More than 700 acres of the Cameron Peak Fire burn scar will be mulched during October to help stabilize hill slopes and protect downstream resources and infrastructure from potential damage.

Due to safety concerns, the U.S. Forest Service will extend its closure order in the area where mulching is taking place, closing National Forest System lands in an area north of Larimer County Road 43 around the Dunraven Trailhead, Storm Mountain and Donner Pass starting Friday, according to a USFS news release.

The closures will limit access into Rocky Mountain National Park from the North Fork Trail.

"This closure is necessary to ensure the safety of the public and those doing this important recovery work," the release stated.

An updated map is available on the Forest Service website at bit.ly/2FyqCXV.

The release said foresters anticipate mulching through Oct. 14. If conditions allow, the area will return to its previous status of open or open to non-motorized use after operations are completed.

The dates were selected in coordination with Colorado Parks and Wildlife to limit the impact to hunters in the area before the first deer and elk rifle season, the release stated.

Foresters advise visitors to check the latest status of areas on the Forest Service website at bit.ly/2FyqCXV before going to the area since many areas hit by the fire remain completely closed, are closed to motorized travel or are closing for the season.

Partners in the recovery work include Colorado Water Conservation Board, the cities of Greeley and Loveland, and Big Thompson Watershed Coalition.

Earlier this year recovery partners mulched over 5,000 acres in the Cameron Peak Fire burn area, the release stated.