Wildfire, insect infestation, disease, and severe weather have degraded hundreds of thousands of acres of National Forest land in the US. The damage has destroyed wildlife habitat, impaired watersheds, stressed drinking water sources, degraded places people recreate, and compromised the ability of the forests to absorb and store carbon. As a result, dozens of National Forests urgently need active reforestation. Source: Timberbiz
The National Forest Foundation (NFF) in US, a private non-profit organization, is working closely with the US Forest Service to restore lost forest cover.
“From the Sierra Nevada’s conifer slopes to grizzly habitat in Montana to a favorite family campground in the Appalachians, the places we are restoring matter deeply to Americans,” Ray Foote, NFF executive vice president said.
“The groundswell of enthusiasm for planting trees – from major US companies to school groups and individual citizens in every state – is inspiring. These partners are enabling us to meet an urgent need today. They’re also doing something with impact for generations.”
The NFF’s accelerating efforts add to the success of its early stages in a campaign to plant 50 million trees in National Forests.
Last year, the NFF planted 2.6 million trees to kick off this multi-year initiative.In 2019, the organization will nearly double its previous record.
The Forest Service estimates more than one million acres need reforestation now.
The NFF coordinates with the Forest Service to select high priority reforestation projects, planting only native, ecologically appropriate tree species.
“Every project is different,” Mr Foote said.
“In the Midwest, we come in after blowdown events and deadly infestations.
“In the Southeast, our work boosts longleaf pine forests, a signature species of that region. “In Arizona, NFF planting projects create forests more resilient to future fires. But what is not different is the high quality science, research, seed collection, and nursery work. Then, it is critical to plant the right seedlings in the right place at the right time.”
Through its simple model of one-dollar-plants-a-tree, the campaign mobilizes businesses and individuals to concrete action.
“We’re inspired the by sustainability leadership of so many companies and small businesses that are demonstrating that our forests, and their future, matter” Wes Swaffar, director of partnerships and reforestation said.
“Partnerships with companies as diverse as Caudalie (cosmetics), Busch (beer), and Lands’ End (clothing) demonstrate the breadth of interests and approaches in this transformative effort.”
