U.S. Forest Service
Over the past year, the Pike-San Isabel National Forests & Cimarron and Comanche National Grasslands implemented a combination of mechanical treatment methods and prescribed fire to treat 12,500 acres across the Colorado Front Range Wildfire Crisis Strategy landscape. Portions of the Pike National Forest have been included in the Wildfire Crisis landscape for its high risk due to environmental conditions and community exposure. Four of the five largest fires in recorded Colorado history have occurred on this landscape.
“In fiscal year 24, we set a goal of treating 10,000 acres on the Pike National Forest. With support from our partners and dedicated workforce, that goal was exceeded by 2,500 acres. For the Wildfire Crisis Strategy to work, we need collaboration with all players involved. Fortunately, that is exactly what we are seeing. Agencies, organizations and individuals are coming together to reach a common goal of protecting communities and natural resources from the detrimental impacts of high-severity wildfire,” said Forest and Grassland Supervisor Ryan Nehl.
Diverse partnerships include nongovernmental organizations, along with Tribal organizations, local land management agencies, utility departments, fire departments, homeowners’ organizations and community members.
The Wildfire Crisis Strategy is a 10-year plan to reduce high-severity wildfire risk to communities and natural resources while sustaining and restoring healthy, resilient forests across these 21 high-risk landscapes. The plan strategically increases the pace and scale of wildland fuels and forest health treatments.
Treatments include mechanically thinning overstocked tree stands, mechanical mulching, and the application of prescribed fire. The areas treated are located near communities, natural resources such as watersheds, and other valuable resources.
“Over the next year, we will continue reducing the amount and continuity of forest fuels, to create buffer zones for communities and improve forest health. This will involve expanding fuel breaks in high priority areas, near communities, infrastructure, water systems and recreational opportunities,” Nehl said.
Learn more about Pike-San Isabel National Forests & Cimarron and Comanche National Grasslands Wildfire Crisis Strategy projects, partnerships, accomplishments, and success stories by visiting https://www.fs.usda.
