Aspen’s forests are constantly evolving in response to drought, insects, wildfire risk, climate pressures, and the natural aging of the urban forest. The Forestry Program works to monitor changing conditions, support long-term resilience, and help care for the community forest over time.
Explore forest health updates, educational resources, and ongoing forestry projects related to wildfire mitigation, pest management, tree planting, and urban forest stewardship.
Ongoing Forestry Projects:
Douglas-fir Beetle Mitigation Project
Forest Health • Monitoring • Wildfire Resilience
The City continues to monitor Douglas-fir stands for signs of beetle activity and tree decline. Current efforts include targeted surveys, removal of infested material where appropriate, pheromone treatments in select areas, and public outreach related to forest health and wildfire risk reduction.
Emerald Ash Borer Monitoring
Emerging Pests • Early Detection • Preparedness
Although Emerald Ash Borer has not been detected in Aspen, the Forestry Program continues to monitor for signs of infestation and coordinates with regional partners on preparedness and response planning. Monitoring efforts help support early detection and long-term protection of the community’s ash population.
Community Wildfire Mitigation Partnerships
Defensible Space • Education • Interagency Coordination
The Forestry Program works collaboratively with Aspen Fire Protection District, Pitkin County, and regional partners on wildfire mitigation initiatives throughout the community. Efforts include defensible space guidance, forest health education, strategic vegetation management, and support for community preparedness programs.
Forestry Mentorship & Internship Program
Education • Arboriculture • Community Stewardship
The Forestry Program provides hands-on mentorship and internship opportunities focused on arboriculture, tree biology, forest health, and community forestry operations. Students have the opportunity to work alongside Forestry staff to learn about tree care practices, urban forest management, and long-term stewardship of Aspen’s community forest through real-world field experiences and projects.
Schools or students interested in participating in a future forestry mentorship or internship opportunity are encouraged to contact the City Forester at heather.gale@aspen.gov <?xml version="1.0" encoding="UTF-8"?> to discuss availability and program opportunities.
Crabapple Replacement Project
Tree Diversity • Wildlife • Urban Forest Resilience
The Forestry Program is partnering with the City’s Wildlife Team through a Colorado Parks and Wildlife grant to replace fruiting crabapple trees in select areas of Aspen. The project supports improved species diversity and long-term urban forest resilience while helping reduce fruit-based wildlife attractants that can draw bears into town and increase human–wildlife conflicts.