Report of Field Examination Proposed Cherry Creek Watershed Project

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Y Des of Watershea The watershed includes ?.1,000 acres of timberland vrhich takes in a small portion of the Black Forest. (Figuro taken from old 1941 flood control survey.) The forested area is located primarily in the southern portion of the watershed with stringers extending northward along rocky ridges and slopes on many of the =roller drainages. Ponderosa pine is the principal species with limited amounts of Douglas'fcr on the more moist north slopes. The timber stands are. open with an understory of grass and all are in private ownership. Saone timber cutting has been done, mainly by gypo operators in recent years, and on- the - ground evidence indicates heavy cuttingot were made in the past, especially in the Black Forest portion of the watershed. The condition of the timbered areas vary from good to very poor and many stands indicate that "high - grading" has been a common practice fcar many years. For the most part, the sta+nd3 support a poor understory which Unfavorable condi- tion is primarily the remelt of continuoun over- gra.Ting by livestock. In fact over - grazing of the woodland areas 3s no doubC:, the big problem which needs attention. ` Forest Service Re won-sib.lities and RecormendationR s - - It appears that the Pprest Service should plan to participate in the Cherry Creek Watershed planr4ng and development progreju. There is necad for forest practices both in planting and in better management. Technical services are needed to assist land operators and cooperators in applying forestry practices that will improve the watershed. Since none of of the forested land qualified as a critical flood and sediment source, plantings on these lands should be ecnsidered a land treatment measure. There is a definite need for windbreaks around many farmstead', and this need should be considered if the watershed goes to the planning stage. The cooperators and operators would, of course, have to stand the full cost of all land treatment plantings and the Government would furnish only the technical assistance. There is also a need for some soil stabilization plantings along stream - banks. A small amount of this has been accomplished in the watershed in the past with very good results. Siree most of this type of work will have to be done in connection with channel work, iv should be planned concurrently with SCS structural planning. Fencing will be needed to protect the more critical woodland areas from grazing to help rest -are desirable cover additions. Although past damage from fire does riot appear to have been too serious in the scattered timber areas, fire protection should be intensified in the woodlands portion in the southern part of the watershed.. If this watershed goes to the planning stage it would be desirable for the Forest Service to assist in making a feasibility survey and develop a work plan for the forested and brush - covered lands.