Managing Your Property for a Safe and Sustainable Forest—A Seven Part Series
by Ron Gosnell
Introduction: What Should You Do?
With three very important forestry initiatives accomplished, a question many landowners may ask is, “What’s next?” What is the best next step for people to take?
The answer to that question will help them care for their forest, and improve community safety. The answer is “well-informed action” grounded upon a sturdy 3-point foundation of support.
First, Allenspark Beetle Control (ABC) is organized and operates to help reduce impacts from bark beetles. ABC committee members meet regularly, teach landowners about beetles and what to do, track progress, and prioritize beetle control activity.
Second, Forest Management Incorporated (FMI) is a non-profit organization that accepts donations and grants for education, beetle control and community wildfire protection. A special WIND “beetle edition” was sponsored by FMI and another special edition about wildfire protection is planned.
Third and just recently, the Community Wildfire Protection Plan (CWPP) is complete. After almost two years of effort, the plan is ready for approval, publication and distribution.
Our CWPP is comprehensive. It brings focus to what really matters for safe and sustainable progress over the long-term. The plan was written by community volunteers who did their research and who share specific-subject expertise.
There are maps, tables, recommendations and sources of professional help. Sixteen community projects are described. Within their context, important action or actions for every single Allenspark area landowner can be identified.
This past summer, one could not help but notice that many Allenspark citizens already have become very active in the woods. There was the whine of chainsaws and transport of wood along the highways from numerous locations, every day.
The new county wood yard was a hub of activity. There, beetle infested wood was treated and woody biomass recycled. Reportedly the Allenspark area site had the best participation level of all such sites along the northern Front Range.
Particularly encouraging was the level of citizen participation and input for the CWPP. Many people are excited about possibilities they now have. Priority areas where people want to begin are identified and eligible for financial assistance.
Still, the reality of our situation is this. Many area landowners are not yet active. Brown patches of beetle killed trees are getting bigger at some locations without suppression efforts. Large expanses of mostly private land remain heavily forested with excess trees.
For the community as a whole, this situation presents “a dangerous bed of fuel.” Fortunately, the condition can be modified. It must be gradual, with careful stewardship. Our CWPP offers the “what, why, where and how.”
Intended results are: 1. beautiful and sustainable living forest conditions with some of the biggest and oldest trees protected and 2. neighborhoods safer from wildfire. The community can build upon Allenspark’s initial success. More free-will action is needed, and is possible.
When landowners have their questions answered, they become more confident and can make better informed decisions. When neighbors see positive results of others’ actions, they are encouraged.
Then, when people work their own patch of woods using personal knowledge, they become down right enthusiastic. Good forestry is that rewarding. And it’s contagious. People can accomplish great things in cooperation, if they only get started.
At one time in my career I visited forest landowners all over Colorado. I was studying what inspired them to accomplish successful forestry projects. In answer to my thesis question, “Why do you practice forestry” people answered consistently, “To improve my land.”
In addition to protecting their investments, most people practice forest stewardship to leave the land in better condition than when they took possession.
The purpose of the up-coming forestry series is to further empower every reader to do just that. The series will offer information, encouragement and professional forestry guidance.
The series subjects were carefully selected and complement what is already available from ABC, FMI and the CWPP.
A safe and sustainable forest condition is essential to community protection. It is something that will benefit everyone owning property here. To that end, let’s begin.
Seven Part Series Subjects: