When the Anasazi lived in Mesa Verde the forest wasn't as thick as it is today. The Anasazi collected dry wood for their fire pits, chopped trees for roof beams and cleared the land for farming. The Anasazi practiced an early form of forest management. In fact, their involvement with the environment made it possible for this ancient culture to flourish in Mesa Verde for so long. Keeping the forest neat and tidy reduces the risk of forest fire. There is much less wood and underbrush to ignite. The rangers at Mesa Verde National Park are learning lessons from the Anasazi.