Science in Practice Portal

When fire is judged to be too risky or ineffective under acceptable prescriptions, mechanical treatments can be effective in meeting resource objectives. Properly used, mechanical treatments reduce fire hazards, improve the proper distribution of plant communities, increase plant diversity, control noxious weeds, and improve the quality and quantity of vegetation for wildlife and livestock. Treatment increases ground cover, which often results in increased soil infiltration rates and decreases in surface runoff, soil erosion, and stream sedimentation. Colorado Bureau of Land Management personnel use the following types of mechanical treatments to meet resource management objectives on public lands.