Lack of winter forage limits deer and elk populations in most of Western Colorado. Habitat diversity in quaking aspen (Populus tremuloides) stands is low and many stands are succeeding to other species. Managing aspen to increase sprouting provides a nutritious source of browse and increases cover values. Forest Service funding is limited, so alternative sources of funding and treatment have been used. Aspen clearcutting has been accomplished, at little or no direct cost to the wildlife program, through public firewood programs, wildlife timber sales, volunteers and Knutson-Vandenberg (K-V) funding generated from timber sales. Homestake Mining Company clearcut and burned aspen stands for wildlife mitigation. Approximately 300 acres of aspen have been treated for wildlife annually since 1980. Deer and elk use of treated aspen stands increased following treatment. New and innovative ways to manage aspen stands to improve big game habitat are discussed and additional cost-saving suggestions are given.
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