Due to climate change and past fire suppression policies, wildfires nationwide continue to grow larger, burn longer, and cause more destruction. Umpqua National Forest is one of many examples of this unfortunate reality. In 2020, wildfires burned over one million acres across Oregon, including 36,000 acres of the Umpqua National Forest.

The scale of the damage was devastating, particularly due to the high severity of the fires. Many areas were left without the ability to naturally regenerate as large swaths of the forest were completely destroyed, leaving little to no natural seed sources left.

The Umpqua National Forest identified locations where natural regeneration was least likely and where forest cover was most urgently needed. The agency also planted trees along streams that are sensitive habitat for coho salmon and steelhead trout. These species depend on shade to keep stream waters sufficiently cold. Other benefits of tree planting include slowing the spread of invasive species, enhancing wildlife habitat, and improving water quality.

Replanting after wildfires is also important for local communities. National Forests are the nation’s largest source of municipal drinking water. Nearby towns like Glide and Roseburg depend on the North Umpqua River for their water. Because wildfires kill the vegetation that binds soil to the landscape, they increase the likelihood of landslides and erosion. If the North Umpqua River is too muddy from eroded soil, water treatment plants downstream cannot work effectively. Planting trees after a wildfire stabilizes streambanks and protects municipal water supplies.

Since 2021, nearly 500,000 trees have been planted in the Umpqua National Forest to facilitate natural regeneration and restore the critical watersheds. Another 410,000 are planned for 2024.