Thinning for healthy forests
From Dana Hayward, Staff Writer for the Sun
JR Ford’s Forest Health Company, operated by the Pagosa Cattle Company, is moving forward with forestry treatments on private parcels in the Hidden Valley subdivision.
The primary objectives of the ponderosa forest treatment and thinning operations are to reduce the risk of intense wildfire and protect the watershed that drains into private Hidden Valley Lake.
In the event of wildfire, silt could clog the drainage and build starting at the north end of the lake, greatly reducing water quality and availability. Hidden Valley residents and property owners utilize the lake for irrigation and domestic purposes, as well as enjoy it as a recreational fishery.
