Getting a grip on Sudden Aspen Decline

Durango land managers, conservationists and community members will be trying their best to unravel Sudden Aspen Decline next week. A community workshop, “Aspen Management in Southwest Colorado: A Look Back, A Look Ahead and Sudden Aspen Decline,” is set for Tues., Feb. 19, at Fort Lewis College.

The workshop’s goal is to bring together local and regional authorities on SAD, look at the current status of the phenomenon and map out potential restoration and management strategies. A variety of aspen management issues will be presented throughout the day-long workshop. Talks will explore potential responses to Sudden Aspen Decline, vulnerability of business that use aspen, the implementation of the Draft San Juan Public Lands Management Plan, and more.

Participation is limited, but the public is encouraged to attend. More information on the workshop can be found online at: http://www.fs.fed.us/r2/ sanjuan/resources/.