While wildfires encroaching upon community resources and infrastructure can be devastating, low-intensity wildfires are a natural part of forest ecosystems.
A ponderosa pine forest typical of the South San Juans is normally due to burn every couple of decades — essentially a “reset button” for the forest. Yet, due to a long history of wildfire suppression, when a forest catches fire, it is prone to burning hotter and spreading faster.
Historically, lower-intensity fires burned through dead organic matter on the forest floor, releasing essential minerals and nutrients into the soil and speeding up decomposition. Some species of trees even rely on heat and fire to melt their resin-sealed cones and release their seeds.
Those decades of fire suppression have caused an unnatural buildup of dense understory shrubs (like Gambel oak) and dead wood. Naturally occurring fires clean up these “fuel ladders,” preventing subsequent blazes from easily climbing into the upper forest canopy and becoming catastrophic crown fires.
Mixed conifer zones in our region frequently intermingle with quaking aspen stands. Low- to moderate-severity wildfires remove competing conifers and stimulate aspen root systems, triggering rapid sprouting of new aspen groves. This creates a diverse mosaic of forest ages and types across the San Juan landscape.
Recent research in Colorado also found evidence that aspen groves can reduce the speed at which fire spreads and can even stop the fire entirely or change its course.
The ash from a fire acts as a natural fertilizer that can help new diverse vegetation thrive. A forest with diverse plant life provides habitat for local wildlife, further increasing biodiversity and resilience on the landscape. Additionally, a fire can assist with controlling disease and pest populations that might otherwise decimate a forest.
There is no underestimating the impact a high-severity fire can have on a community like Pagosa Springs and the individuals who may suffer those impacts on their homes and livelihoods. Yet, it is important to note that wildfires in our forests are a naturally occurring part of ecological health in Southwest Colorado.
The San Juan Headwaters Forest Health Partnership develops science-based, collaborative priorities for the sustainable management of forests, watersheds and essential community resources and recently partnered with Upper San Juan Watershed Enhancement Partnership to work at the intersection of watershed and forest health.
Our monthly meetings and field tours are open to the public. Join us for our next regular monthly meeting on Oct. 16 at the Archuleta County administration building from 9 to 11 a.m., or see our website, sanjuanheadwaters.org, for regular updates or to sign up for our newsletter.
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