The site specific purpose for the proposed action will focus
on creating more resilient ecological conditions to large scale disturbance
across the entire landscape. We also
intend to reduce the impacts of uncharacteristic wildfire to communities,
infrastructure, and natural resources, and contribute towards the long-term
sustainability of a full range of natural resource values including wildlife
habitat, protecting aquatic resources and public drinking water.
The size, severity, and behavior of recent wildfires on
the Pike National Forest and along the Front Range have highlighted the risks
posed by current forest conditions. The human and environmental costs of
wildfire suppression and rehabilitation have seen a significant increase across
the region in recent decades. As a result of increasing risks for large fires
and extreme water flows, there is a need to make strategic investments in
vegetative treatments within the UMC landscape. Strategically placed vegetative
treatments reduce the vulnerability of surrounding communities, municipal watersheds,
and natural resource values at risk to severe fire and excessive water flows in
the future.
