Washington, DC – U.S. Senators Mark Udall and Michael Bennet today applauded the selection of the Uncompahgre Plateau project to receive $446,000 from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to promote healthier, safer and more productive public lands.
The Uncompahgre Plateau restoration was one of ten projects nationwide, funded at a total of $10 million, that were selected based on the recommendations of a 15-member Advisory Committee. Advisory committee members were selected based on several factors including their technical expertise, which geographic region of the country they represent and diverse backgrounds. The Colorado Front Range Landscape Restoration Initiative in Colorado was also selected and will receive $1 million.
“Colorado’s forests are susceptible to high intensity wildfires which pose a serious threat to human and environmental values in the region,” Bennet said. “These projects will help reduce wildfire risk and protect watersheds and habitat for fish and wildlife species. Local and state agencies have already done a lot of great work to move these plans forward, and with this grant, Coloradans can get to work protecting the health of our forests for future generations.”
“This is welcome news, especially during wildfire season,” Senator Udall said. “This funding will be a big boost for Colorado communities that are working hard to protect public lands from wildfire and erosion, which threaten the health and safety of millions of Coloradans.”
The Uncompahgre Plateau Project, which was awarded $446,000, will facilitate the treatment of more than 160,000 acres of forest lands to protect communities, restore watersheds, improve habitat, and create jobs in Western Colorado. The project will utilize proactive forest management on the Plateau to help maintain and restore ecosystems while boosting their resiliency to future disturbances.