Thank You, Cheley Colorado Camps
Although on private property, a large reforestation project is underway at Cheley Colorado Camps near Estes Park, Colorado. The property, a 160-acre tract on the southwest corner, neighbors the Homer Rouse Recreation Trail and is projected to make a considerable difference in surrounding ecosystems.
The effort is lead by the staff at Cheley Colorado Camps in conjunction with the Natural Resources Conservation Service, the Northern Colorado Water Conservancy District, and the Big Thompson Conservation District, and takes an active, science-backed approach to the issue.
For example, the survival of the lodgepole pine is highly dependent on other plants to protect it from the wind so patches will be cut that offer adequate cover for the species to flourish and reproduce. In lower elevations, they plan to take a more traditional approach by removing certain species to favor ponderosa pine and limber pine.
[caption id="attachment_38890" align="aligncenter" width="800"]
lodgepole pine. Photo: Wikipedia[/caption]
Overall, Cheley says that their goal is to reduce the risk of wildfire, mortality from insects and disease, improve the water quality of the area, and make a habitat that's suitable for wildlife and plant life that once used to thrive there.
Like many large-scale reforestation projects, cutting and maintenance areas can be extremely dangerous. Managers and officials are asking the public to respect posted trail closures, avoid the active cutting areas, and keep your pets on a leash.
For more information, visit the Estes Park Library or visitor center, or if you're curious about the camp, check out
Cheley Colorado Camps!