Medicine Bow and Routt National Forests

In 2024, the Medicine Bow and Routt National Forests advanced their restoration efforts with the implementation of the Bears Ears Fuels Reduction and Restoration project. This initiative focused on improving forest health and enhancing human safety by treating a broad range of landscapes across up to 57,000 acres in the Elkhead Mountain Range. The project's primary objectives included reducing wildfire risk to nearby communities, protecting watersheds, and addressing threats to forest and rangeland health.

Building upon previous restoration activities, the 2023 Badger Creek Planting project was a significant undertaking. After five years of planning, approximately 159,248 seedlings were planted in the Badger Creek fire area to accelerate recovery from the 2018 wildfire that had severely impacted the region. This effort aimed to restore native vegetation, stabilize soils, and promote habitat recovery for local wildlife.

In 2022, the Hell Canyon Planting project addressed the aftermath of a severe mountain pine beetle outbreak that had decimated up to 90% of lodgepole pine populations. Approximately 94,000 lodgepole pine seedlings were planted across 207 acres, targeting the areas hardest hit by the infestation. This reforestation effort sought to reestablish forest cover, enhance ecosystem resilience, and support biodiversity within the affected zones.

These restoration projects are part of a comprehensive strategy to rehabilitate and sustain the health of the Medicine Bow and Routt National Forests. By addressing both the impacts of natural disturbances and proactive management needs, these efforts aim to ensure the long-term vitality of these forest ecosystems.