Reforestation takes root

Over 1.4 million seeds flourish in Mount Shasta burn scar

Tom Stokesberry

Shasta-Trinity National Forest

May 29, 2026

A tree seedling in a forest clearing, early morning with the grass covered in morning frost. — A well-planted seedling takes root on the Mount Shasta landscape, as part of the Lava Fire Restoration Project in Northern California, April 2026. In just over three planting seasons, Forest Service crews and partners have planted 1.47 million seeds across 2,769 acres of burned landscape. (*Forest Service photo by Lily Martindale*)

It’s been nearly five years since 25,000 acres burned across the northern slopes of Mount Shasta. And what’s there to see beyond the burn scar of charred soil and dead trees? How about extraordinary new life taking root across this Northern California landscape.

The Lava Fire ignited in June 2021. And portions of the burn area left large swaths without enough surviving trees to naturally regenerate. So, Forest Service seed banks got to work, forming a plan to accelerate recovery, stabilize the landscape, and restore healthy forest conditions for future generations.

In just over three planting seasons, crews on the Shasta-Trinity National Forest have made significant progress restoring vegetation to the Lava Fire footprint. Since 2024, crews of 10 to 15 at a time have planted across 2,769 acres of burned landscape.

A line of people passing along boxes of tree seedlings into a storage room. — Many hands make light work as this crew conveys boxes of seedlings into the cooler on the Shasta-Trinity National Forest. Every step of reforestation relies on dedicated crew from the Forest Service and its partners. (*Forest Service photo by Lily Martindale*)

That’s more than 1.47 million seedlings planted. Another way to think of the immense scope of this seeds-to-trees journey is that a million seedlings alone would fill a 53-foot semitruck. That is why large and plentiful cooler space is needed to house the thousands of ponderosa pine and Jeffrey pine seedlings as they await planting.

“Both pine species were selected for their adaptability to the site and ability to thrive in the Mount Shasta, Weed and Lake Shastina area,” said Lily Martindale, reforestation program manager for the Shasta-Trinity National Forest.

Prep before the planting

Three people planting tree seedlings in a forest clearing. — Planting crews, planting hoes in hand, chip at the soil to plant seedlings on the Lava Fire Reforestation Project, April 2026. Planting hoes are capable of scalping and producing the planting hole. A snow-capped Mount Shasta provides the beauty for this work on the north side of Mount Shasta and Shastina, Northern California. (*Forest Service photo by Jason Klotz*)

But before the first seed went in the ground, extensive site preparation got underway across the burn area . Salvage loggers removed the dead and dying fire-impacted trees – reducing hazards and recovering value from damaged timber. Following that work, large masticators reduced regrown brush and small dead trees, creating suitable conditions for planting crews and improving seed survival rates.

Crews from small-business partners – Gonzalez Forestry, Imperial Forestry, and Absolute Forestry – worked alongside Forest Service staff to help reestablish forest conditions across the burn scar.

A person in hoody and orange vest holding seedlings, kneels with small, rooted plant in hand on sparse landscape of dirt and brush. — This Forest Service worker readies a seedling for its final plop and pat, to secure the tree in the soil and protect it against heavy winds and weather. (*Forest Service photo by Lily Martindale*)

Forest Service planners who help establish healthy forests, known as silviculturists, guided the large-scale planting effort. They ensured seedlings were planted in the right spot for long-term success. They watch the crew’s planting hoes open up the earth for each seedling.

Each seed has been growing for one to two years before their big forest-planting premier. Many already stand a foot tall. Not to mention the literal heights the Forest Service will go to gather seeds to start the whole process.

Seeds to trees — more than just shade

Reforestation projects like this one support many long-term priorities across the forest. As dead trees head off to sawmills, new trees grow to provide wildlife habitat, improve watersheds, and store carbon.

And for anyone exploring Mount Shasta’s low- to mid-elevation slopes, the new growth and changing scenery welcome the 26,000+ annual visitors from out of town and around the world.

A person in hard hat, planting hoe resting on shoulder, sits on hands and knees to check seedling in ground, as other crew work in open forest field. — A Forest Service inspector checks the quality of planted seedlings, to ensure the best survival rates for future healthy forests. (*Forest Service photo by Jason Klotz*)

The project reflects the forest’s broader commitment to active land stewardship and postfire recovery. Across California and the West, national forests are increasingly balancing wildfire response with the long-term work of restoring landscapes after fire.

“This work is about more than planting trees,” said Martindale. “It’s about restoring a resilient forest that can better withstand future wildfire, insects, drought and changing conditions.”