Pike & San Isabel National Forests: Post-Fire Restoration

Forest Overview
3 million acres | Located in central and southeast Colorado

The Pike & San Isabel National Forests offer a diverse landscape, from the short grass prairies to the alpine tundra. The Windy-Ridge Bristlecone Pine Scenic Area — a unique grove of beautiful and ancient bristlecone pine trees — is located in the Pike National Forest. Visitor favorites include the Garden of the Gods red rock formations, Pike’s Peak, and Seven Falls waterfall. Much of the area is still undeveloped, allowing visitors to enjoy hiking, rock climbing, rafting, and fishing in a natural environment where they may even catch a glimpse of a bighorn sheep, mountain goats, black bear, and elk.

Need for Trees

The Hayman Fire began June 8, 2002, and burned approximately 137,000 acres — the largest fire in Colorado’s history. The fire burned within the upper south Platte watershed, the primary water source for the city of Denver. In most moderate and high intensity burn areas, 100 percent tree mortality occurred; consequently, future seed sources for natural regeneration were lost.

Planting and Impact

This project will plant ponderosa pine and Douglas fir on 1,300 acres.

As part of the Hayman Fire restoration efforts, the forest is planting ponderosa pine trees to supply future seed sources for ponderosa pine ecosystems. Tree planning will reduce erosion in this critical watershed and restore wildlife habitat and recreation opportunities.

About the Pledge