“In 2011 Austin Shelby provided turn-key consulting services to improve an undeveloped, heavily wooded, 40 acre parcel I own in north Ouray County, CO. Austin created a forest improvement plan including designing, mapping, and supervising work to thin trees, reseed, and create wildlife habitat. This served to vastly improve the forest health and create fire safety zones. The property is now a beautiful showcase of natural grasses, wildflowers, and healthy trees. Austin is a true professional. It was a pleasure working with him.”
Debbie Cokes
Landowner, Ouray County
“I appreciate Austin’s effort to get projects prepped and ready to go in a timely manner. He has worked with us through challenges on projects to success. He knows his diseases, invasive plants and various insects that affect our local landscape as well as the most effective treatment option. It has been a pleasure working with Austin.”
Eric Gray
Logger & Owner, Colorado Wood Company
“Myself and several neighbors worked with Austin and his crew of contractors last Spring on educating, preparing and mitigating our properties in Crawford against wildfire. The degree of professionalism from both he and his crew were outstanding”.
Traci & Chris
Landowners, Delta County
” I have worked with Austin in a professional capacity for over 10 years on all aspects of dozens and dozens of wildfire mitigation and fuels reductions projects. In addition to being incredibly skilled and knowledgeable in his profession, Austin communicates clearly, exhibits attention to detail and follows through with what he says he will do. Whatever your forestry related needs or concerns may be, Austin will work hard to achieve desired outcomes for you and your property”.
Lilia Falk
Professional Colleague Since 2011
“My property had dense vegetation and was very overgrown. It also had noxious weeds like Canada and Russian thistle. Austin visited my site and came up with a plan to thin our juniper, pinyon, oak and Douglas fir to a spacing that would slow fire spread. After the project he spread native grasses and flowers to compete with noxious weeds. After 2 years, the health of the forest has much improved. I see more deer elk and turkey. I have seen more deer fawns since the work was completed. Austin brings knowledge, experience and care for the environment. I have maintained contact with him for the latest forestry information”.
Randy Bursk
Landowner, Ouray County
“Austin does not cut corners. We have observed that he cares for the properties he manages as if they were his own. He is dilligent and thorough in his field work and layout. He is one of the most professional foresters we have worked with”.
Cody Neff
Owner, Vegetation Management West LP
“A few years back, we asked Austin to assess the fire mitigation needs of our home on our 50 acres in Pleasant Valley. Austin carefully explained the process and organized the mitigation effort which encompassed 16 acres around our home. We were left with park-like surroundings which included safely spacing our finest trees to slow wildfire. Austin then dispersed native grass and wildflower seed with great success. We can now view wildlife from our house. We have remained friends with Austin to this day”.
Bob and Althea Turner
Landowners, Ouray County
“I can attest to Austin’s passion and dedication to his forestry profession. He has always taken pride in sharing this passion and extensive accumulation of knowledge and experience with landowners. He will work hard to help you achieve your forest land management objectives”.