BTCD Husted Ranch Forest Restoration
Activity
Forest Management
Primary Organization
Big Thompson Conservation District
Funders
Colorado State Forest Service, Natural Resource Conservation Service, Northern Water, Peaks to People Water Fund
Other Organizations
Fort Collins Conservation District, The Nature Conservancy Colorado
Project Primary Contact
None
Project Stage
Implementation
Duration
2020 - 2021
Forest Management
Husted Ranch has experienced a drastic shift from historical reference conditions. Species compositions have shifted from Ponderosa Pine to Douglas-Fir & forest densities have greatly increased. The project area has also experienced Mountain Pine Beetle and mistletoe outbreaks which have adversely affected forest health. Mechanical thinning will be implemented on approximately 195 acres of forested lands to restore the functionality and vigor of the forest and reduce the effects of severe wildfire on the Dry Gulch/Lake Estes drainage. The project is adjacent to treatment planned on the National Forest as part of the Glen Haven Fuel Reduction Project.
Targeted Performance Measure
- Fuels Reduction/Forest Restoration: 193.00 acres
- Active Crown Fire Reduced: 58.00 acres
- Conditional Reduction in Erosion: 1,119 metric tons
- Expected Reduction in Erosion : 177 metric tons
- Conditional Reduction in Sediment Costs to Water Supplies: $7,289.00
- Expected Reduction in Sediment Costs to Water Supplies: $1,150.00
- Homes within influence zone of treatments (homes): 65
- Conditional Reduction in Home Loss Value: $141,366.00
- Crucial Wildlife Habitat Protected from Wildfire (conditional): 192.00 acres
Project Themes
- Water Resources and Infrastructure
- Community Protection and Fire Response
- Wildlife
Wildfire Risk to Water Supplies Husted Ranch Project
Credit: Peak to People Water Fund
Location
Expenditures
Expenditures by Funding Source to Date: $721,328.00
Northern Water (Northern Water): $50,000
NRCS EQIP (NRCS): $449,753
TNC AB InBev Funds (Peaks to People): $59,000
Colorado State Forest Service... (CSFS): $162,575
Photos
Before
Predicted Change in Fire Behavior
Credit: Peak to People Water Fund
Husted Ranch Before
Credit: Big Thompson Conservation District
During
Husted Ranch During Dec 2020
Credit: Big Thompson Conservation District
Husted Ranch July 2021
Credit: Peak to People Water Fund
After
Husted Ranch July 2021
Credit: Peak to People Water Fund
Accomplishments are modeled through Peaks to People’s Watershed Investment Tool and Co-benefits Module. Conditional metrics do not account for the probability of fire. Expected metrics account for the probability the treated area is burned by wildfire. For more information, please visit https://peakstopeople.org/our-solutions/
Project last updated 8/6/2021