Clearing The Ranch

The Ranch in Casa Colorado has been cleared of brush and trees over a period of years in preparation for planting. After most brush was cleared it was used to graze cattle on natural vegetation. The cleared brush was stacked in huge piles over the entire area. When the time was right the cattle were moved and a day was picked for a masive burn. A Firebreak was carved around the ranch as fires were started on the South end. This was supposed to be a controlled burn but a dead tree next to the road caught fire and couldn't be put out with the spray rig (AKA, Red Fire Truck). Mark called the fire department to help put it out and five trucks showed up. The piles are the result of a couple years of clearing on several hundred acres. After the ranch leveling took place over much of the summer the area was planted in Tritacalia and Rye. The first irrigation was a complete success.