San Juan Headwaters Forest Health Partnership works together to identify projects that support the residents within the San Juan Headwaters region.
All of the projects that the San Juan Headwaters Forest Health Partnership (SJHFHP) participates are decided using the principles identified in our strategic plan. The SJHFHP brings together community members, land managers, environmental groups, community organizers, and local decision makers to:
1) Identify community needs
2) Plan and prioritize projects to meet the needs
3) Implement projects in priority areas
4) Inform the community about forest health, threats, and how work on the ground supports community health
5) Monitor work to determine effectiveness and guide future efforts
Watershed Assessment:
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Assessment of Wildfire Risk to Water Supplies and Facilities (PDF)
- Watershed Assessment Letter to Stakeholders (PDF)
Treatment Areas:
As a coordinated effort, the SJHFHP has been instrumental in coordinating treatment across boundaries. We have been able to complete work on private, public, municipal, and county lands. The areas where we work were identified during our assessment of watersheds and wildfire risk. We have been working to protect vital resources (such as water and utility lines) that service Archuleta County on a landscape scale. Our work has been supported by private landowners, regional businesses, Colorado Department of Natural Resources, Colorado State Forest Service, and Joint Chiefs Dollars designated under the Farm Bill.
You can find a copy of the San Juan Headwaters work area here.
Cloman Park
A county resource that offers trails for biking and hiking and frisbee golf course. San Juan Headwaters secured grant funding to establish this as a demonstration site for different types of treatment, including several acres that were left untouched. This project was funded with a Colorado State Forest Service Forest Restoration Grant.
Reservoir Hill
This prized community forest sits in the middle of Pagosa Springs. It serves as a refuge for citizens, setting for weddings, and hosts 2 large festivals that support Pagosa’s economy. SJHFHP took great care when approaching this project, understanding the communities connection to the forest and its trees. The students of Pagosa High School helped monitor forest conditions and identify treatment needs. This project was funded with a Colorado State Forest Service Forest Restoration Grant.
Four Mile
Identified as a primary component of the water supply system for Archuleta County residents, this project area was identified as a priority. SJHFHP has been able to secure funding from the Colorado Department of Natural Resources, Colorado State Forest Service, and funds from the Joint Chiefs Funds created in the recent Farm Bill. Work was also supported by contributions from the homeowners of Hidden Valley Ranch and the Forest Health Company, LLC. This effort allowed for the treatment of 2,000 acres along 2 miles of the Dutton Ditch across public and private lands, protecting 2 reservoirs.
Turkey Springs
Also funded with Joint Chiefs monies, this project will advance water protection for Archuleta County and offer an essential fire break to residents of the Pagosa Lakes Properties. Approximately 450 acres of forest will be managed to reduce wildfire risk.
