Fraser Experimental Forest

Byers Peak - Elevation 12,804 feet

Welcome

The Fraser Experimental Forest

.... was established in 1937 in the heart of the central Rocky Mountains. Research Work Unit 4352 of the Rocky Mountain Research Station maintains this 36 square-mile outdoor research laboratory, which is located about 50 air miles from Denver. The location is an ideal and well-suited location to study timber, water, wildlife management, and their integration in the high elevation subalpine coniferous forests.

Long-term Monitoring

The primary research focus for Fraser has been the effect of management practices on water yield and quality. Snow depth and water content are collected on 5 watersheds, with records dating to 1941 for one watershed. Streamflow is monitored on 7 watersheds, and a continuous record of streamflow for the oldest watersheds dates from 1941-1943. Sediment transport and bedload are measured periodically. Climate (precipitation and temperature) is measured at >8 locations and records are available from 1969 (one location from 1939). An LTER-quality environmental monitoring system was installed in 2001. Precipitation, streamflow, and snowpack chemistry is monitored weekly, and measurements start in 1982. Tree growth, seed production, and tree mortality records begin in 1938. 

Research - Past and Current

Early research at the FEF was oriented toward timber or water production and quality resulting from forest management. Additionally, much research focused on the effect of forest structure and species water use, snow distribution, and water yield. 

Current research addresses questions about links between forests, riparian areas and streams, and aims to better understand mechanisms important in nutrient cycling, snow hydrology and ecosystem carbon storage. More than 30 individual studies are currently in progress, in addition to continued long-term monitoring of climate, streamflow, and water chemistry.

 Facilities

The Fraser Experimental Forest has facilities available to support a variety of research projects and group size.