Aspen groves help slow the spread of wildfire. Here’s what that means for mountain towns

New research suggests planting aspen groves could slow the spread of wildfires in Colorado’s forests. 

It’s an idea that could help some mountain communities seeing increasing threats from wildfires.  

A recent study looked at data from more than 300 wildfires in Western states. It found that large aspen groves often slowed the spread of forest fires. That’s partly because aspen contain more moisture than other trees in mountain forests.  

So, should mountain communities across Colorado plant aspens on the outskirts of town?  

To find out, Erin O’Toole talked to Camille Stevens-Rumann. She’s a professor of forest and rangeland stewardship at Colorado State University and was the principal investigator on the study.  

For more on aspen trees, listen to this episode about why aspen trees rarely thrive when planted in yards. 

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Host and Producer: Erin O'Toole
Producer: Ariel Lavery
Executive Producer: Brad Turner
Theme music by Robbie Reverb
Additional music by Blue Dot Sessions

In The NoCo is a production of KUNC News and Community Radio for Northern Colorado.

What is In The NOCO?

KUNC's In The NOCO is a daily look at the stories, news, people and issues important to you. It's a window to the communities along the Colorado Rocky Mountains. The show explores the big stories of the day, bringing context and insight to issues that matter. And because life in Northern Colorado is a balance of work and play, we explore the lighter side of news, highlighting what makes this state such an incredible place to live.