NWTF and Forest Service Expand Wildfire Crisis Strategy in Colorado
EDGEFIELD, S.C. — The National Wild Turkey Federation and the USDA Forest Service Region 2, encompassing national forests across Colorado and Wyoming, recently signed an agreement to build upon ongoing work in the region under the National Master Stewardship Agreement. Accelerating the pace and scale of forest stewardship across the West, this additional agreement, part of the broader Wildfire Crisis Strategy, will remove timber, providing business to local mills for the retention of current forest business infrastructure necessary to carry out forest restoration work.
As an integral part of the broader landscape-scale Lagarita Hills Restoration Project in Colorado, the Saguache Spruce Stewardship Project will play a pivotal role in tackling the long-lasting effects of the spruce beetle epidemic that has devastated the region for more than a decade.
The Saguache Spruce Stewardship Project will enhance forest health and reduce fuel loading across approximately 3,411 acres on the Rio Grande National Forest, the majority of which have been severely impacted by the spruce beetle outbreak. The project will involve the harvesting of dead Engelmann spruce within the designated project area, promoting forest stand resiliency and age-class diversity.
"By removing standing and downed dead trees, we’re not only reducing the risk of devastating wildfires but also improving wildlife habitat and protecting downstream watersheds," said Brian Russell, NWTF wildfire crisis coordinator for Region 2.
The forest products generated from this project will be directed to local sawmills and wood processing facilities, ensuring that the critical infrastructure for forest product utilization remains intact. This is essential for the long-term success of future forest restoration efforts in the region.
In addition to the Saguache Spruce Stewardship Project, NWTF Wildfire Crisis Strategy staff will collaborate with Forest Service Region 2 staff this fall to develop a regional strategy. This strategy will focus on addressing wildfire risks, retaining wood products processing infrastructure and expanding workforce capacity to carry out forest restoration work.
Learn more about the Wildfire Crisis Strategy and the relationship between wild turkeys and catastrophic wildfire prevention.
About the National Wild Turkey Federation
Since 1973, the National Wild Turkey Federation has invested over half a billion dollars into wildlife conservation and has positively impacted over 23 million acres of critical wildlife habitat. The NWTF has also invested over $10 million into wild turkey research to guide the management of the wild turkey population and to ensure sustainable populations into perpetuity. The organization continues to deliver its mission by working across boundaries on a landscape scale through its Four Shared Values: clean and abundant water, healthy forests and wildlife habitat, resilient communities, and robust recreational opportunities. With the help of its dedicated members, partners and staff, the NWTF continues its work to provide Healthy Habitats. and Healthy Harvests. for future generations.