Fireforest
An exploration of forest fire and restoration in northern Colorado.
Colorado’s forests face an existential threat.
A century of fire suppression made them unnaturally prone to large and severe fires. Now, with a changing climate, the forests are not only likely to burn, but they may not regenerate.
There is a desperate need for large-scale forest restoration, as current work does not come close to matching the scale of the threat. For this to happen, there needs to be a drastic shift in public perception of fire in forests.
Currently, public discourse lacks the nuance needed to create this support. In general, the focus is on fighting fire and the damage fire causes. All fire is considered universally destructive. The blame is laid solely on climate change while forest health and restoration are omitted. With this as the predominant mindset, Colorado's forests will continue to degrade and die.
This project aims to change that.
About
The project’s objectives and the people behind it.
Film
The story of what happened when forest fire met forest restoration.
Timelapse
See how the forest and Poudre River respond to the Cameron Peak Fire in a long-term timelapse.
Photo Monitoring
See how different types of forest respond to the Cameron Peak Fire in high detail.
Photo Essay
See the diversity of fire’s effects on the forest.