EDGEFIELD, S.C. — In 2025, the Colorado State Forest Service commemorates its 70th anniversary, marking seven decades of dedicated stewardship over Colorado’s diverse forest landscapes. Established by the Colorado General Assembly on February 14, 1955, the CSFS has grown into a statewide leader in forest conservation, operating 18 field offices to ensure the health and resilience of Colorado’s forests for future generations.
“The CSFS’ relevance has never been more important,” said Patt Dorsey, director of conservation operations for the West. “We’re looking forward to tackling the challenges of declining forest health conditions alongside this fantastic partner.”
A key to CSFS’s success has been its collaborative approach to forest management. Through partnerships with other agencies and organizations like the National Wild Turkey Federation, numerous projects have been implemented to restore forests, enhance wildlife habitat and reduce wildfire risks across the state.
“CSFS has been a great partner in advancing our projects that promote healthy forests and quality wildlife habitat,” said David Nikonow, NWTF district biologist for Colorado, Montana and Wyoming. “They take a truly collaborative approach which makes for a productive and professional partnership between them and the NWTF.”
The CSFS also plays a vital role in the Rocky Mountain Restoration Initiative (RMRI), a collaborative effort co-convened by the NWTF and the U.S. Forest Service. Launched in 2019, RMRI celebrates its 5th anniversary this year, bringing together more than 40 partners to implement large-scale, cross-boundary solutions in priority landscapes throughout Colorado.
“For 70 years, the Colorado State Forest Service has been a pillar of forest stewardship, working tirelessly to safeguard the health and resilience of Colorado’s forests,” said Elizabeth Dowling, NWTF RMRI coordinator. “As a key partner of the Rocky Mountain Restoration Initiative — now celebrating five years of action — CSFS has demonstrated the power of collaboration in tackling some of our state’s most pressing forest health challenges. Together, we are building stronger, more resilient landscapes that will benefit Colorado’s communities, wildlife, and natural resources for generations to come.”
Under the current leadership of director Matt McCombs, CSFS remains a strong advocate for cross-boundary landscape management. McCombs actively participates in key forums such as the Colorado Water Congress, working alongside leaders from the NWTF, USDA Forest Service, Bureau of Land Management and many others to advance shared stewardship goals.
“Director McCombs is a passionate leader,” said Tom Spezze, national director of field conservation and state policy. “He is always looking for opportunities to support forest health in Colorado. In fact, his leadership goes beyond support: he’s creative and driven toward results.”
As the CSFS celebrates this milestone, its enduring partnerships with the NWTF and others highlight the power of collaboration in achieving meaningful conservation outcomes. With Colorado facing growing challenges from climate change and increasing wildfire risks, these collective efforts will remain critical to ensuring the long-term health and sustainability of the state’s forests for generations to come.
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