Post GNA
831-acre mechanical thinning project focused on improving forest health through the removal of dead, diseased, and dying trees, while promoting the regeneration of young trees, the reduction of extreme fire risk, and to combat pine beetle encroachment into healthy stands.
About The Project
VM West successfully executed the Post GNA Forest Service Project near Cahone, Colorado, as awarded by the Colorado State Forest Service. This ambitious 831-acre project focused on improving forest health through the removal of dead, diseased, and dying trees, while promoting the regeneration of young trees by reducing competition.
Conducted over a three-month period, VMW utilized advanced Ponsse harvesting equipment alongside a skilled hand felling crew to achieve project goals. Out of the total area, 121 acres were treated through hand thinning, and 710 acres were mechanically thinned, employing a combination of cut-to-length logging and lop and scatter techniques to ensure efficient processing of materials and enhancement of the forest ecosystem. All of the following project objectives were fully achieved: the improvement of health and resilience in residual trees through stand enhancement, promotion of young tree regeneration, and creating stand conditions allowing for ideal mild fire behavior in prescribed burns.
The Details
Cahone, Colorado
831 acres
Ponsse Equipment
Overview
VMW’s commitment to sustainable forest management and ecological restoration was demonstrated throughout the project. The successful execution of this project not only contributed to the health and vitality of the forest ecosystem in the Dolores area but also strengthened our partnership with the Colorado State Forest Service, showcasing VMW’s dedication to achieving impactful forestry solutions.
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