Fish Creek Basin is a part of the 2.9 million acres of the Medicine Bow- Routt National forest. This massive land area covers an expanse from Central Colorado all the way to northeastern Wyoming. One of the largest projects the USFS works on is managing the Mountain Pine Beetle infestation. Although the majority of Steamboat’s forests remain healthy, this is not the case for all of USFS managed land as 1.5 acres in Northern Colorado and Wyoming are affected by the infestation.
The USFS mission is to “support nature in sustaining life”. This mission differs greatly from the goal of uranium mining, which hoped to use a rural areas untapped resources to support a federal war effort. In order to accomplish this mission, the USFS is relatively hands-off in the Fish Creek Basin. The forest is allowed the space to grow and regenerate since the flow of tourists is relatively low in number and impact, in comparison to a national park’s visitor density.
The USFS manages the Flat Tops range as well. The Storm Mountain district (which neighbors Fish Creek and is now known as Mt. Werner) and the Flat Tops range border the Yampa Valley, both rising above the river valley, effectively creating a basin. In this way, the USFS lands border the community of Steamboat Springs from the outside world.
My hikes in Fish Creek Basin have been a formative part of my experience with nature and my community. In a single hike, you can see Mt. Werner, Fish Creek Canyon, the Flattops, and the town of Steamboat. Because the trail has low foot traffic, it’s easy to come any time of day and enjoy the quiet perspective.
References:
“Mountain Pine Beetle Epidemic.” USDA Forest Service Website. Accessed 12/09/2019 https://www.fs.usda.gov/detail/mbr/home/?cid=stelprdb5139168.
“About the Agency.” USDA Forest Service Website. https://www.fs.fed.us/about-agency
“Medicine Bow- Routt National Forest: About Our Forests.” USDA Forest Service Website. https://www.fs.usda.gov/detail/mbr/home/?cid=fswdev3_008649
Fish Creek Basin 