CHILOQUIN, OR, April 8, 2024— Spring reforestation has started in the 242 Fire area, and is scheduled to continue through the 12th of April. The location of the of the restoration work began near the Williamson River Campground along Highway 97, and is moving into the areas of the Forest behind the logging museum. Approximately 272,000 Ponderosa and Sugar Pine seedlings are being planted in the affected areas.
The reforestation efforts have been made possible by partnering with the International Conservation Federation. Through innovative partnerships and contracts, the Fremont-Winema National Forest is able to clean, prepare and restore ground that has been damaged by catastrophic wildfires, making these landscapes ready for reforestation. Partnerships like this enable the Fremont-Winema National Forest and International Conservation Foundation to perform site preparation work, including removal of illegally dumped trash, hazard trees which pose dangers to workers, reduction of competition from invasive species, and loosening the soil to allow for seedlings to establish themselves more rapidly.
Reforestation, whether by planning for natural regeneration or tree planting, allows for the accelerated development of forested ecosystems following natural disturbance events such as wildfire, wind events, and insect and disease infestations, or planned timber harvest. This silvicultural treatment helps to develop forest structure and species composition to provide for wildlife habitat, clean and abundant water, forest wood products, recreation opportunities, soil stabilization, and so much more. Reforestation presents unique opportunities to address emerging issues associated with climate change by conserving and managing tree genetic diversity and sequestering carbon to counter greenhouse gas emissions.
