Poudre RiverFest Helps Regenerate Colorado Forests

More than a decade after the devastating High Park Fire, which scorched over 87,200 acres in Larimer County, the Poudre RiverFest has emerged as a vital event aimed at celebrating and supporting the restoration of the Poudre River. This annual festival combines educational activities with fundraising efforts, with proceeds directed towards the protection and rehabilitation of the river ecosystem, particularly in the canyon area. Cory Dick from the Coalition for the Poudre River Watershed highlighted the ongoing recovery, noting the emergence of primary growth such as grasses and shrubs, although ponderosa pines are struggling to regenerate naturally. To combat this, the Coalition has initiated a reforestation project, planting approximately 700 ponderosa pine seedlings last October. Remarkably, the project has achieved an 84% survival rate in its first year, attributed to careful microsite selection and the use of locally sourced seeds. The Coalition's approach involves volunteers collecting pine cones from surviving trees to cultivate seedlings, effectively assisting the natural regeneration process. Dick emphasized the importance of this manual intervention, stating that their efforts will significantly impact the landscape over the next 50 years. This proactive strategy not only aids in reforesting the burn scar but also plays a crucial role in maintaining the health of the Poudre River, ensuring its vitality for future generations.