Two fire history studies were conducted to determine the occurrence, interval, intensity, extent, and distribution of fires on the Uncompahgre Plateau. This knowledge can be used to help determine how historic fires have affected the vegetation and other resources on the Plateau and how restoration efforts can more closely replicate natural processes.
Montane Zone Fire History
Fire history in the ponderosa pine community of the Plateau was studied by the USDA Rocky Mountain Range and Experiment Station, Ft. Collins, CO. Funding: USFS. Completion date: December 2002. Principal researcher: Dr. Wayne Sheppard, USDA.
Pinyon-Juniper Zone Fire History
Research into the age structure and fire history of the Plateau’s PJ zone was conducted by the University of Colorado. Funding: Western Area Power Administration (WAPA), University of Colorado. Completion date: Spring 2003. Principal researcher: Karen Eisenhart, PhD candidate, University of Colorado.
