60,163
volunteer hours since May, 2000
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60,163
volunteer hours since May, 2000 |
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Updates on Forest Recovery Following the Cerro Grande Fire
Thursday, May 5, Fuller Lodge
Poster Sessions, 6 PM to 7 PM
Presentations, 7 PM to 8:15
Photos of Vegetative Recovery in the Pueblo Watershed
In order to more accurately predict the amount of runoff that could be expected in the post-fire Pueblo watershed, URS Corporation hired Watershed West to measure ground cover in the burned area. Watershed West established two 100-meter line transects in each of 13 subwatersheds above North Road. Ground cover estimates were first recorded in June 2002.
In October 2002, the Volunteer Task Force revisited 25 transects (one could not be located) and recorded the plant species observed in a 10-meter band around the original lines. Photographs of vegetative cover were taken at each location. VTF returned in May 2003 to repeat the photographs and record ground cover.
Clicking on a number on the image map below will take you to page of four photographs. The photos on the left were taken in October 2002, those on the right in May 2003. The top pair of photos is a close-in shot of the area, and the bottom pair offers a wider view.
In general, vegetation looks better in 2003, but most of the improved appearance has to do with spring green-up. On most transects, ground cover remains the same or is slightly below that of June 2002. However, canopy cover has increased as aspens, oaks, and perennial grasses expand their crowns. The number of species has increased in most transects, that a valid comparison can only be made this October.
Transect 7A shows recovery at its worst. The steep, rocky slopes and lack of effective post-fire treatments results in a still barren landscape.
To see what aspens can do in three years, look at transect 7B.
A dramatic example of
recovery is transect
2B. This area has filled in with slender wheatgrass, creeping mahonia, Rocky
Mountain clematis.
Click on a location to see repeat photos of the vegetative recovery in the Pueblo Watershed
