Forestry
Forest Health
The Native American’s named the Black Hills for their black appearance from a distance. Dominated by large stands of ponderosa pine, the forests of Weston County are much more than just the name sake for the region, but are also important wildlife habitat as well as an integral part of the economy of the region.
Forested Land in Weston County
While forested lands in Weston County comprise a small part of the total acreage, about 116,00 acres, 66% of these acres are privately owned. The efforts of these private landowners are critical in protecting this natural resource and complimenting efforts by state and federal agencies to manage our forests.
District Programs
The District works closely with landowners by providing tools and information to properly manage their forests. Proper management helps reduce the danger from wildfires while also improving the health of the forest and mitigating disease and pest issues.
Thinning also helps to increase the value of remaining trees for eventual harvest. Other benefits include improved wildlife habitat and increased grass production for grazing livestock.
Contact the District for more information on our thinning and fuel mitigation programs.
