2016 report on the health of Colorado's forests
Date
2017
Authors
Duda, Joseph, author
Lockwood, Ryan, author
Mason, Lisa, author
Matthews, Susan, author
Mueller, Kim, author
Peterson, Courtney, author
West, Dan, author
Colorado State Forest Service, publisher
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Abstract
Fire and water. The words themselves evoke contrasting forces of nature - fire, often viewed as an all-consuming inferno of destruction; water, a quenching and life-sustaining means of rejuvenation. But such generalizations are not always accurate, especially in Colorado. Fire is necessary to the ecology of healthy forests, and can be a useful wildland firefighting tool for containment and fuels reduction, while life-giving streams and rivers may turn into raging torrents that cause heavy erosion and loss of property and life. So important are these two natural elements that we've chosen them for the focus of this year's forest health report, to give you a better understanding of their impacts on Colorado's forested lands. Fire and water are integrally linked as necessary components in shaping a healthy, natural forest environment; in return, both are heavily influenced by forests themselves. Fire has significant impacts on people and forests; less obvious are the effects it has on the quality and quantity of water available for human and agricultural consumption. The demand for water, of particular concern in rapidly developing sections of our state, underscores the need to work across organizational boundaries to develop effective solutions. Interagency efforts highlight the importance of forest management to safeguard water supplies from post-fire erosion so water providers can maintain their ability to provide safe, clean water to Colorado residents in a cost-effective, consistent manner. In this report, we take the opportunity to highlight collaborative partnerships and projects with Denver Water, Northern Water, the City of Ouray and professionals implementing Colorado's Water Plan.
Description
The reports describes "an annual investigation of critical forest health issues, including the identification of priority areas across the state where current forest conditions demand timely action." They are intended to "expand Coloradans' knowledge of and interest in our state's forest resources."
Reports produced by the Colorado State Forest Service in conjunction with Colorado Department of Natural Resources, Division of Forestry.
Includes bibliographical references.
January 2017.
Reports produced by the Colorado State Forest Service in conjunction with Colorado Department of Natural Resources, Division of Forestry.
Includes bibliographical references.
January 2017.
Rights Access
Subject
forests and forestry
measurement
Colorado
forest health
forest management
fire
water