A Walk Through Forest Management at the Gilpin County Fairgrounds
What does a healthier forest look like? At the Gilpin County Fairgrounds, a self-guided interpretive hike invites visitors to find out. Signs along the trail, which have been in place throughout the summer, explain how local partners are caring for the forest and why that work matters to the community.
Forests provide clean drinking water, wildlife habitat, places to explore, and a beautiful place to call home. But after more than a century of fire suppression, many forests have grown crowded with trees and other fuels. That buildup can contribute to more severe wildfires. Proactive forest management helps address those conditions while supporting the many benefits forests provide.
As you walk the trail, look at the space between the trees. Local partners have selectively removed unhealthy trees to give the remaining forest more room to grow. Aspens now have space to spread, adding to a mix of tree species and ages. That diversity can help the forest better withstand wildfire, insects, and disease—and brings brilliant color to the trail each fall.
Aspens now have space to spread, adding to a mix of tree species and ages. That diversity can help the forest better withstand wildfire, insects, and disease—and brings brilliant color to the trail each fall.
Look closer to the ground, too. Thinning and small patch cuts allow more sunlight to reach the forest floor, helping grasses, wildflowers, and shrubs grow. These plants provide food and habitat for birds, deer, elk, and pollinators. The signs help visitors see how work that may look like tree removal at first can support a more varied forest over time.
Timberline Fire Protection District developed a treatment plan for this site as part of its ongoing wildfire mitigation work across Gilpin County. The fairgrounds trail offers a chance to see that work firsthand and learn how thoughtful thinning can support both forest health and community safety.
Interested in caring for the forest on your property? Landowners can take steps to reduce wildfire risk and support healthier habitat. Walk the trail to explore the treatments, then connect with a local partner to learn what may be appropriate for your land:
Timberline Fire Protection District: asteffe@timberlinefire.com
CSU Extension: jennifer.cook@colostate.edu
Clear Creek Watershed & Forest Health Partnership: kelby@clearcreekpartnership.org or clearcreekpartnership.org
A little care for our forests today can help them thrive for years to come.
