Sequoia National Forest: Post-Fire Reforestation

Forest Overview
864,991 acres | Located in central California

Situated northeast of Bakersfield and east of Fresno, the Sequoia National Forest is named for the giant sequoia, the world's largest tree. The forest encompasses 38 groves of giant sequoia. Majestic granite monoliths, glacier-torn canyons, roaring whitewater, and lush meadows characterize the landscape at the Sierra Nevadas southern end. Elevations range from 1,000 feet in the foothill region to peaks over 12,000 feet in the rugged high country, providing millions of visitors each year with some of the most spectacular views of mountainous landscape in the entire west. Deer, bear, and many birds, such as the California spotted owl and northern goshawk, live in the forest, along with 19 threatened and endangered species and 44 sensitive animal species – including the California golden trout, the state fish.

Need for Trees

Recently, the Sequoia National Forest experienced the largest wildfire in its history. The McNally Fire burned over 150,000 acres, through oak woodland and Sierra Nevada forest and into the ponderosa pine and mixed conifer forests along the upslope. Combined with the damaging effects of the Manter Fire just two years earlier, this fire has created an even greater need for replanting to impede competing vegetation and restore fragmented wildlife habitats.

Planting and Impact

This reforestation project will plant 28,000 Jeffrey Pine & White Fir in June of 2007. The trees will help prevent soil erosion and improve the condition of the area's watershed while restoring critical wildlife habitat.

About the Pledge