MacGregor Ranch
Size:
Total Cost:
Funding Sources:
Objectives and Outcomes:
360 Acres
$821,000
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:
After over 100 years of fire suppression in the Estes Valley, the forest in this project area was overpopulated with many trees that would not historically have been present. In Ponderosa habitats, a small surface fire would come through the ecosystem every 5-50 years keeping populations in check. Because of the lack of fire, the trees compete for a limited amount of resources (sun, water, and nutrients) and are not as healthy due to the competition. Our goal for this project was to restore the forest back to its historic density and improve the habitat for the enjoyment of both humans and animals.
Benefits
Reduced risk of catastrophic fire
Improved forage for animals such as elk and mule dear
Increase in understory biodiversity (forbs, grasses, and shrubs)
Increase in survival rates for Ponderosa Pine in future fire events.
Before:
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After:
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