Getting to the Root of the Problem

On a recent sunny afternoon in the Bighorn National Forest the gentle murmur of human voices could be heard mixed in with a chorus of songbirds and the ring of tools hitting the ground.  A reforestation crew was planting the next generation of lodgepole pine in an area impacted by the 2024 Elk Fire. Among the blackened trees of the Elk Fire new sprigs of green tree seedlings can now be seen among the blooming wildflowers. Due to the astonishingly fast and precise work of a reforestation crew, about 36,600 seedlings were planted in the Elk Fire burned area (122 acres) and 29,000 in the Crater Ridge Timber Sale (98 acres) in less than a week. In total about 3,600 Engelmann spruce and about 62,400 lodgepole pine were planted. 

Reforestation, whether by planning for natural regeneration or by tree planting, allows forest ecosystems to recover quicker after disturbances such as a wildfire. The success of reforestation starts with strong partnerships, sound land management decisions, and the best available science. 

The Bighorn National Forest leans on the Charles E. Bessey Tree Nursery near Halsey, Nebraska, on the Nebraska National Forest to supply the tree seedlings needed to complete reforestation efforts. This nursery is managed by the USDA Forest Service and was established in 1902, making it the oldest in the country. The location of the nursery, in the Sandhills of Nebraska where water and healthy soil are abundant, is an ideal place to start and care for tree seedlings until they are ready to be transported to their forever home in a national forest.  

Before the seedlings arrive a lot of work and coordination must occur. The local Bighorn timber program silviculturist is responsible for encouraging the growth, composition, health, and quality of the forest’s trees. They must consider wildlife habitat, timber, water, and recreation resources, along with the needs of adjacent landowners, partner agencies and other groups. The silviculturist plans and documents where reforestation efforts will occur and when.  

To assist with this work, a mapping tool developed by Forest Service scientists is sometimes used to help silviculturists determine the best places to focus reforestation efforts. The tool considers conditions such as slope, aspect, soil water, surface temperature, and other factors to recommend planting locations. Silviculturists also use regeneration surveys and local knowledge to select locations for replanting.  

Once a location is determined, coordination with other program areas starts, money is secured, and the contracting process to find a crew begins. These efforts are done to accelerate reforestation and return forests to health and productivity as quickly as possible after a wildfire or disturbance.  

In the case of the Elk Fire, the area replanted this summer was picked because, among other factors, it was known to have burned very hot, and this can inhibit natural regeneration. Knowing this, the Bighorn silviculturist placed an order to the nursery right away to help speed up reforestation.

 If you are interested in getting involved, the Forest Service Plant-A-Tree program is a great option. In recognition of your donation to Plant-A-Tree, an optional customizable Plant-A-Tree certificate can be sent to you or another person named by you. You can choose from three styles of certificates and select to have the certificate honor, memorialize, or celebrate a loved one. Visit Plant-A-Tree. 

To learn more about the Bighorn National Forest and ongoing work, visit the forest’s website, or follow us on Facebook and X.