Partnerships Promote Healthy Forests and Clean Water

Two major fires and subsequent flooding events wreaked havoc on a critical watershed and reservoir that supplies Denver with water. Water utilities partnered with the U.S. Forest Service and corporate sponsors to manage the watershed and improve forest health. Through detailed vulnerability assessment of the watershed, they identified priority locations with high risk of post-wildfire erosion. Then, they applied forest-thinning strategies, hazardous fuel removal, and reforestation treatments to protect critical water infrastructure and locations. A total of approximately $60 million investment is going to support the initiatives over 10 years (2009 – 2018).