Grandview Ridge
A BLM Fuel-Reduction Project
San Juan Public Lands Center
Durango, CO
Project
Location
Grandview Ridge is a
1,640-acre BLM
inholding within the
city limits of Durango,
Colorado.
Primary Purpose
To reduce the potential of a wind-driven catastrophic
wildfire by reducing the continuous canopy, thereby forcing
any unwanted wildfire out of the crowns and on to the
ground where traditional firefighting methods could
suppress it.
The passage of the National Fire Plan in
2000 reaffirmed this project and allowed
us to continue treating the area.
Need for Treatment
hVegetation is primarily old growth pinyon pine and
juniper, some Gambel oak and ponderosa pine
hPinyon is dying off from
an infestation of black
stain fungus
h100 years of fire
suppression has created
an unnaturally high fuel
build-up
Need for Treatment
hRapidly expanding high-value homes and
commercial property are in close proximity
Considerations
WILDLIFE
• Area is critical deer and
elk winter range but is
currently in poor condition
(old, decadent vegetation)
• The poor quality and
quantity of the forage
found on public land is
forcing animals down to
private land
Considerations -RECREATION & CULTURAL
• Need to maintain visual quality
because of:
 Mountain biking and hiking use
 Commercial horseback
operations
• Need to protect archeological
resources from erosive forces
Cont.
Considerations --
Cont.
RESOURCE
• Lack of grasses and shrubs were causing sheet
erosion and head cutting, resulting in overall
watershed deterioration
• Lack of vegetative diversity and age classes
• Natural fire is not considered a safe option due
to the close proximity of private homes and
commercial enterprises
Considerations --
Cont.
COMMERCIAL
• Surrounded by high-value commercial and
residential properties
• Four oil and gas wells
• Two active gravel pits
Other Treatment
Options Considered
Treatment
CHAINING
ROLLERCHOPPING
HAND THINNING
Not Chosen Because:
• Not as effective in removing vegetation
• Area too steep for machinery
• Need to protect archeological resources
• Does not effectively cut material over four
•
•
(4) inches diameter
No mulch layer to help prevent erosion
Need to protect archeological resources
• Lack of access
• Rotten trees (safety hazard)
Hydromower Chosen
• Mulch is spit out in front of machine allowing
•
•
•
•
mower to travel over mulch, reducing surface
disturbance
Lack of ground-disturbing impact from light,
flotation tires
Low impact to
cultural sites
Selectivity
Visuals
Primary Goal
Thin and reduce
pinyon-juniper stands
by 60-65% in mosaic
patterns, especially
along private land
boundaries and in
heads of canyons.
Treated Areas
1998
305 acres
Treated Areas
1998-1999
305 acres – ‘98
201 acres – ‘99
Treated Areas
1998-2001
305 acres – ‘98
201 acres – ‘99
400 acres – ‘01
906 acres - Total
The hydromower can
handle trees up to 1012” in diameter. Its large
lawnmower-like blade
grinds up the trees and
shrubs and spits them
out as a mulch.
The double-bladed mower
reduces all material to
about 4-6” in size.
The mulch provides
cover for the grass seed
that was aerially applied
before the thinning.
The large rubber
flotation tires ease
across the surface,
reducing rutting and
erosion potential.
The mowing and
mulching occurs in
front of the machine,
leaving a cushion for it
to travel over, thus
reducing surface
disturbance.
In the treatment area, snow can now accumulate in the
open patches and will help push the mulch into the
ground, aiding in decomposition.
Before…
After…
Signs have been placed to help
protect the reseeded areas.
Time and Cost
ƒ In dense pinyon-juniper of 10-12” in
diameter, the hydromower can treat
about ¾ acre per hour
ƒ $100-120 per hour for machine and labor
Partners are Important!
Money for aerial seeding was supplied by the
Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation and the Habitat
Partnership Program (HPP).
HPP is a public/private consortium that receives proceeds from
the sale of hunting licenses to fund projects to help reduce
conflicts between big-game animals and private landowners.
Monitoring Results
A study plot was established after
the 1997-98 treatment. In 2000, it
showed a:
• 65% reduction in trees
• 300% increase in grasses
• 200% increase in forbs
• 75% reduction in shrubs
Deer have been spotted enjoying
the lush, new grass and more
palatable shrubs…
The public and adjacent private
landowners like the natural look
of the treatments.
FOR MORE INFORMATION:
Randy Lewis, Project Coordinator
San Juan Public Lands Center
15 Burnett Court
Durango, CO 81301
970-385-1358
e-mail: Randy_Lewis@co.blm.gov