Aspen stands were plagued with large outbreaks of pests and diseases from overcrowding, drought, and overall stressful growing conditions. Not only was this visually troubling, but the declining health of the trees posed serious safety concerns for nearby homeowners.

We thinned dense regions, prioritizing the removal of dead and dying trees. This material was masticated, allowing for a layer of woodchips that not only protects the topsoil but also allows for faster decomposition, releasing nutrients back into the soil. Soil disturbance also stimulates new growth in the understory. To further promote the return of wildlife and encourage biodiversity, we seeded the regions with nutritious forbes. This strategy combines habitat enhancement and vegetation management, encouraging biodiversity in the understory and welcoming elk, deer and pollinators back into these regions.

Lodgepole stands were overgrown and suffering from pests and disease. This was a major fire hazard due to the density of ground and ladder fuels and proximity to urban development. Trails were also overgrown, making recreation difficult.

We hand thinned these areas, removing dead and dying trees while limbing healthy trees to reduce fuel density. The product was a much healthier, thinned forest which allows for more accessible recreation. The thinning also provides a better line-of-sight for wildlife and gives them more space to move around.

Willows are quick to sprout and quicker to take over. These willow patches were dense and suppressed any other vegetative species from growing.

Removal and mastication of willows opens up the landscape and promotes growth of new and existing vegetation. The clearings created can also be used by humans for recreation or wildlife as a grazing or browsing area once resprouting begins.

Sagebrush encroaching heavily in a conifer stand increases competition between saplings and discourages new growth.

Removal and mastication of sagebrush opens up the landscape and increases opportunity for the conifers to reproduce and grow. Also allows sunlight to hit the floor which could trigger germination of seedlings.

Hidden by the tall grass, large, dry logs littered the forest floor. This in combination with the standing dead trees and large stumps increased fire risk within this forest. 

Many of the standing dead trees and stumps were felled and masticated, along with the larger logs on the forest floor. Mastication breaks down woody material, allowing for quicker decomposition and more readily available nutrients. This made the region safer to walk through, with the removal of hazard trees, and helped to decrease ground fuels.