Little Thompson Headwaters
Size:
Total Cost:
Funding Sources:
Objectives and Outcomes:
262 Acres
$820,000
NRCS EQIP, CSFS FRWRM, Larimer County
Wildfire Risk Mitigation, Wildlife Habitat Enhancement, Restored Forest Health, Improved Grazing, Community Protection, Water Infrastructure Protection
About this project:
This project consists of three landowners located right off of Highway 36, next to Hermit Park open space. A good chunk of the properties on this project focused on meadow restoration. Due to years of fire suppression, young trees remain in meadows that would normally be removed by periodic fire events. To combat this, the Conservation District pushed the meadow and forest boundary back to its historical position using evidence on the ground as well as historical imagery. Like much of Estes Valley, species composition was a concern and Douglas-Fir and Spruce were in higher density than historically present. In the absence of periodic fire events these species will out compete Ponderosa Pine and Aspen, leading to a resource concern.
Benefits
Improved fire resistance for the community and residual forest structure
Improved habitat for elk, which are a staple in the Estes Valley, as well as deer and other vertebrates
Return to historical densities before fire suppression
Increase Aspen and Ponderosa recruitment
Increase resistance to pine beetles and other disturbance events
