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Forestry

FOREST HEALTH
The term Forest Health is challenging to define as different special interest groups have varying perspectives based on the respective causes.
A simple definition would be that a healthy forest is one that is likely to be sustained into the foreseeable future. It depends on a sensitive balance of addressing problems such as pest infestation, fire outbreaks with forest goals such as continued livestock grazing, timber production, recreational use and forest productivity.
High levels of biomass (fuel loads) are a primary concern in today's forest health as these accumulations of live and dad vbegetaion can contribute to pest problems and encourage epidemics of insects and diseases, reduce native biological diversity, and of course provide fuel for fires that can grow to epic proportions with a constant fuel source. Biomass reduction is an important step necessary to ensure the long term health of a forest as well as the safety of its neighbors. 

A "Before and After" comparison of a property's tree management, showing fewer trees around the house in the "After" image.
A "Before and After" photo showing a snowy woodland landscape leading to a house, with reduced snow and clearer ground in the "After" image.
Before and after view of a forest area with a wooden house, showing tree thinning for fire prevention.
Before-and-after photos of a forest area around a house with tree removal for fire mitigation.
A "Before and After" comparison of a property's tree management, showing fewer trees around the house in the "After" image.
A "Before and After" photo showing a snowy woodland landscape leading to a house, with reduced snow and clearer ground in the "After" image.
Before and after view of a forest area with a wooden house, showing tree thinning for fire prevention.
Before-and-after photos of a forest area around a house with tree removal for fire mitigation.

Wildfires are a natural part of Colorado’s forests. If you live in the wildland-urban interface in Colorado, where homes and other structures intermingle with wildland vegetation, you are at risk of being affected by wildfire. Planning ahead and taking action can increase the likelihood your home survives when a wildfire occurs.
Follow These Checklists to Prepare Your Home for Wildfire. 
Protect your home from Wildfire
The Home Ignition Zone Guide PDF

CSFS Live Wildfire Ready Colorado Video

If you would like more information about the Districts Forest Health Project, cost-share program or a free site assessment to safeguard your house from castrophic risk of wildfire impacts to your home or structures, call us 970.878.9838. 

A wildfire risk map showing various intensity levels with a legend on the right.
Take our FOREST HEALTH SURVEY to help us better understand your needs! 

Please assist us by participating in our survey. Your input will help us better understand your needs as home and landowners in the priority areas of Marvine Creek, Campbell Creek, Ute and Papoose Creek, Crooks Park, Buford and Lost Creek. With your feedback we can research resources and cost-sharing opportunites. 

A QR code with the text "Take the Survey" below it.
WHAT TO EXPECT? An overview of the forest management process for home/landowners 

We are interested in your feedback. Call us 970.878.9838 to find our more about opportunities and resources.

A group of people attentively watching a presentation in a room with snacks on the table and a wildfire image displayed on a screen.

Wildland Fire USFS  United States Forest Service 

Forest Health & Management  Colorado State Forest Service

Community Wildland Protection Plan  Rio Blanco County

Colorado's forests provide aesthetic values, clean water, wildlife habitat, recreation, minerals and renewable resources including forage and timber.  The White River and Douglas Creek Conservation Districts support and encourage active management of Colorado's forests to protect your way of life and health. 

Forest restoration projects not only protect water from sedimentation, but also improve forest health and habitat, decrease firefighting costs, and reduce home loss and infrastructure damage. Our goal is to accelerate forest restoration to reduce the threat of severe wildfire, with your assistance, and with collaboratives across our county and state. 

Community meeting poster about forest health, wildfire risk management, with date, time, location, and speaker details.
Public meeting flyer to discuss forest health in White River National Forest, scheduled for Tuesday, June 18 at 6:00 PM.

Click below to find short educational videos about the value and benefits to Forest Management

Why is Forest Management Important to you? 
What Does a Healthy Forest Look Like? 
Controlled Burns = Healthy Forest 
Forest Management: Harvesting