Colorado State University Hosts Free Public Events Addressing Colorado Forest Health

Colorado State University faculty and students specializing in pine beetles, fires and forestry will be holding several events in Denver to raise awareness of these Colorado issues. All events are free and open to the public.

At 7 p.m. on Oct. 20, CSU experts will discuss the impact of the mountain pine beetle in “What Does the Future Hold for Colorado’s Forests?” at the REI Denver Flagship store. Panelists will discuss how this native insect has become such a problem, why is it such an effective killer of pines, is its presence a natural part of the forest lifecycle and what the future holds for the health of Colorado’s forests and outdoor recreation.

At the Cherry Creek Farmers Market from 8 a.m. – 1p.m. on Oct. 23, CSU will have several booths on information about the pine beetle and will be handing out more than 300 Colorado Blue Spruce seedlings.

At 7 p.m. on Nov. 17 at the REI Denver Flagship store, a CSU panel of experts will discuss the paradox around wildfires that as people become more efficient at suppressing wildfires, the wildfire problem has only become worse. The panel will address fuels, treatments, the risks and hazards of fires and various collaborative projects put in place to reduce and restore healthy ecosystems. Public safety and wildland/urban interface surrounding wildfire will also be discussed.

For more information on these events, visit www.rams5280.colostate.edu or call 303-376-2624.