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Since 1996, 21% of the montane forest within the watershed has burned, raising fire and forest health to the forefront of issues we deal with. In 2002, the Hayman Fire burned 137,000 acres, making it the largest fire in Colorado history. The fires threatened many resources, from animals to water quality.
The impacts of fire are exacerbated in the Watershed, because of the nature of the soils here. The “Pikes Peak granite formation” makes up a large part of the eastern half of the watershed. Due to the fractured nature of this granite formation, it is considered by geologists to be one of the most highly erosive soil formations in the country. When fire burns here, there is little organic matter to hold soil and encourage regrowth of grasses and other plants that help reduce erosion.
Scientists estimate that it will take hundreds of years for the forest to return without intervention, and in the mean time, soil will erode at excessive rates. Noxious weed invasion is also an environmental concern.
Clicking on the area of the map with dots will take you to a detailed area map with specific Fire Rehabilitation locations.
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