Five Years of Renewal on the Forest

This year marks five years of dedicated reforestation efforts across the Sierra National Forest (Sierra NF), a milestone that highlights the Forest’s progress in restoring a healthy, diverse landscape. Following the Creek Fire, which began in September 2020 and impacted nearly 380,000 acres and resulted in a loss of 90% or more of the tree cover in the area. The Forest moved quickly to plan for renewal, and by early spring of 2021 reforestation work was already underway, setting in motion one of the largest restoration efforts in the region.

Although the fire significantly changed the landscape, it also stirred an unparalleled commitment to rebuilding stronger, more resilient forest ecosystems. Reforestation is ongoing today, demonstrating the strength of our communities, partners, and land stewards working together toward a thriving Forest for future generations.

With the help of our partners, the Sierra NF has increased the pace and scale of reforestation efforts in the years since the Creek Fire, to help return natural tree cover to the burn scar. To accomplish this, the Sierra NF has leveraged multiple partnerships, grants and programs. Efforts included treatments before planting to prepare the land, to make space for seedlings, and reduce hazardous fuels that could kill planted trees in the event of another fire. 

Since the Creek Fire, the Sierra National Forest has been diligently working year-round on the landscape

 to restore the Forest. Each spring, after the snow melts hundreds of thousands of seedlings are planted. During summer and winter seasons, sites undergo preparation with mechanical piling and burning to create openings among the fallen logs and dead trees. Late spring through summer, crews remove shrubs that rob water from natural and planted seedlings. In the fall, post planting exams are done to ensure planting efforts are achieving the survival of seedlings and to determine what actions should happen next. In the early spring, the cycle starts again. 

Over the past five years the US Forest Service has planted more than 2 million seedlings across roughly 8,000 acres. Reforestation treatments have ranged from 3,000 ft to 8,000 ft elevations, with a mix of species reflecting the diversity present on the Sierra National Forest. Seedlings planted in 2021 are already approaching 10 feet in height. The goal is to restore the forest to a more natural, resilient state—better able to withstand fire, drought, and insects, adhering to the guidelines of our Forest Land Management Plan. With active management and continued hard work, the new forest will remain healthy and available for generations to come. The Sierra NF staff is extremely integrated in public involvement in these reforestation efforts going forward; keep an eye out for “Save the date…” opportunities next spring!