Lassen National Forest: Post–Fire Reforestation

1.2 million acres | Located in northern California

The Lassen National Forest lies at the heart of one of the most breathtaking areas of California, called the Crossroads. Here the granite of the Sierra Nevada, the lava of the Cascades and the Modoc Plateau, and the sagebrush of the Great Basin meet and blend. The forest offers great variety of recreational opportunities to visitors. Among them is spectacular wildlife viewing of elk, osprey, bald eagles, deer, sandhill cranes, and badgers.

Need for Trees

The forest has experienced several large wildfires in recent years that have created a backlog of reforestation needs. One such fire was the Straylor Fire, which burned 3,422 acres in an area where the forest structure emphasis is on range and wildlife needs. An arid environment hinders natural regeneration of the site, and replanting is necessary to help reestablish healthy stands.

Planting and Impact

For this project, 240,000 Ponderosa and Jeffrey Pine will be planted in May of 2007. The project will help these species regenerate before shrubs and grasses take over the damaged site. Reforestation in the burned area will help restore the pine forest ecosystem, creating wildlife habitat and improving visual appeal in the forest.

About the Pledge