Landowner goals

Think about your goals as a landowner

Your goals will inform your reforestation plan. Setting goals helps landowners and foresters understand potential compromises, the commitments in time and cost, identify constraints, and determine what will be realistically possible.

As a forest landowner, in addition to planting trees, some goals to consider are:

• Restore a healthy forest
• Carbon sequestration
• Wildlife habitat restoration or conservation
• Recreation
• Pass down the land to the next generation
• Timber production
• Soil or watershed protection
• Conservation of endemic or rare species / habitat
• Climate change mitigation, and risk reduction

To set goals, think about the land’s history and capabilities, as well as what you - the landowner - value about the property.

Landowner perspective

Understanding a forest landowner’s values, knowledge, and expectations

Forest landowners tend to be family-oriented and have strong ties to their land, valuing the solitude, beauty and environmental benefits provided. However, being affected by wildfire can leave an emotional toll on landowners, with deep lasting impacts.

There may be a strong desire to get a forest back to its pre-fire state. However, before the fire the forest might not have been healthy, and returning to the same forest could mean a future disaster. It is essential for landowners to work with a professional forester to rebuild a healthy, resilient forest.

Setting expectations for landowners can also be critical to avoid feelings of distress and frustration when the reforestation project ultimately takes as long as it does. Unless there are already contractors and seedlings secured, it can take 2-5 years before work begins. Providing a general timeline upfront can help landowners understand the long time horizons for reforestation projects, and spur discussion on what can go wrong and cause a delay.

Healthy forests

What a healthy forest means

Establishing a healthy forest involves several key components:

Biodiversity

A healthy forest contains a unique community of plant and animal species that have evolved interrelated processes and dependencies that provide the structure and function of a healthy system. This promotes ecological balance and stability, resilience to pests and diseases, and provides habitat for wildlife.

Forest Structure & Regeneration

A well-structured forest consists of trees of different ages and sizes, including young, mature, and old-growth trees. Proper spacing between trees and a well-developed canopy structure allow for optimal light penetration, ensuring the growth and productivity of the forest.

A healthy forest exhibits a natural cycle of regeneration, where new trees replace the older ones over time. It is essential to promote the establishment of desirable tree species and manage competing vegetation to facilitate successful regeneration.

Soil Health

Healthy soils are crucial for the growth and vitality of trees. They provide essential nutrients, water-holding capacity, and a supportive root environment.

Resilience

An overstocked, unhealthy forest (like the one above) is susceptible to devastating high severity burns. A healthy forest, in contrast, can withstand and recover from natural disturbances, such as wildfires, pests, or storms. This resilience can be fostered by promoting species diversity, managing forest density, and reducing the risk of potential hazards. Implementing sustainable forest management practices, like monitoring and adaptive management strategies, helps ensure the long-term health and adaptability of the forest.

Collaboration and Expertise

Engaging with forestry professionals, such as consulting foresters, can provide valuable guidance and expertise. These professionals can assist in developing management plans, implementing best practices, and navigating regulatory requirements to ensure the health and sustainability of the forest.

Native species

Why replant native tree species

Test your knowledge. Why might you want to replant native species?

A: Native species support a diverse group of plants, insects, and wildlife. B: It doesn’t matter because native species don’t really provide any benefits C: Native trees are more aesthetically pleasing than non-native species

✓

Bravo!

In addition to being adapted to the local conditions, native trees play a vital role in providing a diverse habitat and contribute to a thriving and sustainable ecosystem.

❌

Not quite! While it is ultimately up to the landowner to decide what to plant, native species are known to provide an array of ecological benefits, including forest resiliency.

❌

Not quite! While some people may think so, this is very subjective because, as they say, “beauty is in the eye of the beholder”

Key reasons why to replant native trees:

1

Adaptation

Native tree species have evolved over time to be well-suited to the local climate, soil conditions, and other ecological factors of the region. By replanting native species, you are restoring the forest with trees that have adapted to the specific environmental conditions of your land. These trees are more likely to thrive, withstand future disturbances, and contribute to a healthy and resilient ecosystem.

2

Biodiversity Conservation

Native tree species play a vital role in supporting the diversity of plants, insects, birds, and other wildlife that depend on them for habitat and food sources. By replanting native trees, you are creating or preserving the unique habitat required by various species. This contributes to a thriving and sustainable ecosystem.

3

Soil Stabilization and Nutrient Cycling

Native tree species often have deep and extensive root systems that help stabilize the soil, reducing erosion and the loss of valuable topsoil. They also contribute to nutrient cycling, as they have developed intricate relationships with the local soil microbiota and other organisms.

4

Forest Succession and Resilience

Native tree species are an essential component of natural forest succession – the process by which a forest recovers and regenerates after a disturbance, like a wildfire. By replanting native trees, you are facilitating the reestablishment of a diverse and resilient forest ecosystem. This improves the forest's ability to adapt to future disturbances and reduces the risk of future catastrophic events.

Collaborate

Work with an expert forester

Working with local forestry professionals, land management agencies, university extension specialists, or environmental organizations can provide guidance specific to the project’s region.

Some public services may be available at no cost to landowners - check to see if a county conservation district or other local extension agency can help provide base level knowledge. A local consulting forester can also be hired to work with you at every stage of the reforestation journey.

Consulting foresters

Who are consulting foresters, and why work with one

In typical forest management, a consulting forester may assist with plan writing, timber sales, permitting, inventory and appraisal, coordination of contractors, and general advice.

With post-fire reforestation projects specifically, a consulting forester is someone local to your area that will visit your site and help with your specific needs. These independent professionals will help you understand your goals, find contractors, source seed and seedlings, secure funding, and coordinate crews during the physical work.

These experts will work directly with the nurseries, contractors, and crews to make sure your forest is restored successfully. In some cases, they may continue to work with landowners decades later to ensure the forest continues to be healthy and productive.

However, in some cases, landowners may have more complex or nuanced considerations that are not necessarily best managed by regional vendors of forestry services. University extension agents are a great resource to determine how best to address outlier or unique considerations for land management.

Site prescriptions

Site prescriptions - what are they, and why do they matter

With post-fire reforestation, a prescription might include target density, existing trees, and species to be planted (eg: 50% Douglas fir 50% Ponderosa Pine).

Key considerations for site prescriptions

Actual acres to be planted (excluding unplantable areas, such as roads).

Stocktype and size of seedlings.

Planting period or timeframe.

Desired density, sometimes referred to as “trees per acre”. Landowners will want to work with a local forester to determine the appropriate density for their region.

Legal requirements (location dependent).

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Planning

How to prepare a reforestation plan

Work with a forestry expert

Consulting foresters are a “jack of all trades" that help you at every stage, and will work with you on all of your specific needs.

Factor in your specific goals

Setting goals helps landowners and foresters understand potential compromises, the commitments in time and cost, identify constraints, and determine what will be realistically possible.

Find species appropriate for your area

Seed that is from native species and locally sourced from similar environmental conditions will give your project the best chance of success.

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Landowners can work with a forestry expert to develop a comprehensive reforestation plan. This plan should factor in your specific needs and goals (habitat, timber production, longevity), and site-appropriate tree species for your area.

Get started by downloading our reforestation template

Resources

How we prepared this topic

• "Reforestation Practices for Conifers in California" - An all-encompassing manual for CA-based reforestation, but also includes topics applicable in other ecosystems.
• What to replant after the trees die” by Susie Kocher, UC Cooperative Extension - A short (two-page) overview on assessing the landscape, options for the types of seedlings you can replant, and where to plant trees.
• Reforesting Your Forestland after a Wildfire" by Yvonne Barkley, University of Idaho Extension, Moscow, ID - A general overview (three-page) of planning and executing a reforestation project
• WA State University - Extension Forestry: About Consulting Foresters - A short article about services and expertise a consulting forester can provide, including example questions to ask
• Michigan Department of Natural Resources: Setting Goals - An overview about the importance of having clear goals and limitations to consider
• U.S. Forest Service - Why use native plant material - Lists advantages of using native plants, and the importance of genetic diversity
• Landowner Perspectives on Reforestation following a High-Severity Wildfire in California” (Waks et al) - 2019 paper summarizing 27 interviews of non-industrial forest landowners, the emotional toll from being affected by wildfire, and their experience working with a Resource Conservation District to restore their forests.

Cost to reforest

How much should a landowner expect to pay to replant after a wildfire

Test your knowledge. What is a typical cost per acre you might expect to pay for a post-fire reforestation project?

A: Under $100 per acre B: Between $100 - $500 per acre C: $1,000 (or more) per acre

❌

Not quite! With costs for seed, seedlings, planting labor, monitoring, and other expenses, reforestation will cost more than $100 per acre.

❌

Not quite! With costs for seed, seedlings, planting labor, monitoring, and other expenses, reforestation will cost more than $500 per acre.

✓

Bravo!

Reforestation is expensive. Although costs are driven by size, species, planting density, and other factors, you can generally expect to pay at least $1,000 per acre.

According to a 2021 study, reforestation can cost upwards of $1,000 - $1,700 per acre. Read more: Challenges to the Reforestation Pipeline (Fargione et al)

Although financial returns can take several years to decades, ensuring successful forest recovery will lead to long term viability and productivity of the forests. However, due to economies of scale, smaller properties will likely need to rely on government assistance and cost share programs.

Funding options, such as grants, may be available, but these often require expertise and time, and sometimes require existing funds. This can lead landowners to take no action, as shown in a 2018 study that found one-third of those interviewed would not have reforested if it were not for a specific program through their county’s Resource Conservation District (Waks et al. 2018)

Making an investment

Why reforestation is so expensive

Five essential expenditures for reforestation:

1. Site Preparation

Prior to replanting, the land may require activities such as debris removal and brush clearing. The cost can vary depending on the extent of work needed and method (examples are mechanical equipment or herbicide). However, these activities help create suitable conditions for tree establishment and growth.

2. Seedlings

The cost per seedling can range from a few cents to a few dollars, depending on species selected, size, and age.

3. Planting Labor

This can be a labor-intensive task, especially on larger scales.

4. Maintenance and Monitoring

Replanted seedlings require ongoing maintenance and monitoring to ensure their survival and growth. This includes activities like weed control, watering, fertilization, and protection from browsing animals.

5. Consulting Services

Hourly fees for professional services associated with their expertise and assistance.

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While costs can be significant, they are essential investments for the long-term health and productivity of your forest. Reforestation not only restores the ecological functions of the forest but can also provide future economic returns through timber production or carbon sequestration.

Funding your project

Read about options that may be available

Consulting foresters will help secure financial assistance for landowners, and in some cases the funding assistance provided may require working with a registered professional forester (RPF).

Options for funding can include:

Resources

How we prepared this topic

• Emergency Forest Restoration Program (EFRP) - USDA Farm Services Agency program that helps owners of non-industrial private forests, with cost-share up to 75% of implementation
• One Tree Planted Forest Fire Recovery Program and the National Forest Foundation
• Sierra Nevada Conservancy (CA only) - CA state agency that helps restore natural resources, including considerable grant funding. They also have a funding newsletter.
• Forest Improvement Program (CA only) and Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) through the Natural Resource Conservation Services (NRCS) - Programs that provide eligible landowners with technical and financial assistance
• A multi-benefit framework for funding forest management in fire-driven ecosystems across the Western U.S. (Quesnel Seipp et al) - Peer reviewed literature with proposed framework to engage various stakeholders in sharing project costs

Suitable seed

Why it matters to get the right seed

Finding the right seed for your site is critical to ensure a successful reforestation project. This is done through matching seed that is sourced from a similar ecological region and adapted to the specific environment and climate of the project site (see the topic on “seed zones”)

For non-industrial landowners, consulting foresters will typically find seed for the project. Seed is usually sourced through orchards or collected from the wild. Unfortunately, native tree seed is in short supply, especially for non-industrial landowners, and acquiring the right seed may delay the project. However, there are several viable options available for acquiring native tree seed. The forester will either purchase the seed directly (likely from a nursery), or work with a partnering organization to collect the seed on behalf of the project/landowner.

This can be a time-intensive and expensive part of the project. However, sourcing the appropriate genetic material is critical for success. While seed from orchards can play a role in reforestation, finding wild-collected seed can benefit the project with material genetically adapted for that specific environment. Read more about this in the “seed zones” topic

Scroll down to learn more about Suitable Seedlings.

Reach out to an associated nursery with any questions or inquiries:

See seed? Get started by downloading our Cone Scouting Guide

Seed zones

What is a “seed zone” and why should I care?

Ideally, seed in reforestation goes back to the same zone it came from. The differences among trees – even among the same species – are established by genetic variability and environmental factors. These distinctions are important to consider when selecting seed. Foresters in the 1920’s-1940’s realized the importance of tracking seed source from large-scale planting projects following wildfires. In the late 1960’s and 70’s seed zone maps in Oregon were developed by foresters knowledgeable in topography, weather, climate, and tree growth. These seed zones are still used on the US west coast to decrease the risk and give seedlings greater chance of survival.

Washington State Zones (source: USDA)

Seed zones help get the right seed back to the right place.

California State Zones (source: USDA)

Native tree supplies may be limited.

Oregon State Zones (source: USDA)

Transfering seed between zones is possible, but should be done with consideration.

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Unfortunately, tree seed supplies are limited, especially for non-industrial landowners. Therefore, projects may rely on seed from adjacent zones if available, or seed migration (sometimes referred to seed transfer).

More about seed migration: Transfering seed between zones should be done with great consideration, and a decision made in agreement by expert forester and landowners. The associated risk should be assessed based on “environmental distance” rather than strictly geographic distance. In other words, looking at things like temperature, precipitation, and elevation. Guidelines have been developed based on field tests for a variety of species and environmental conditions, and accounting for climatic variables, mainly temperature and precipitation.

If guidelines for a specific species are unavailable, the general guidelines are:

1. Local populations are generally well-adapted and the safest to use
2. Seed transfer to higher elevations usually has higher risks. Transfer to lower elevations could decrease productivity. If this is a concern, transfer should probably not be over 500 feet.
3. Latitude has less influence on seed transfer than longitude.
4. Transfer poses the same risk regardless if to a harsher or milder site
5. A higher planting density combined with early thinning may be prudent to account for potentially higher mortality when transferring seed
6. Risk increases if transferring across multiple conditions (ex: transferring west to east and lower to higher elevation)
7. Seed zone boundaries can be flexible, depending on the site location and conditions

The above guidelines are based on recommendations from the Oregon Department of Forestry for Western Oregon.

In the US, there are tools to assist with the migration decision. Due to the complexity of these tools, it is recommended that these tools be used by a professional:

• Seedlot Selection Tool
• Climate-Adapted Seed Tool (CA, OR, WA, ID, NV)

Test your knowledge. Why are seed zones important?

A: They aren’t important B: They are a mechanism to track seed and get it back to the right place. C: Seed zones tell you the species and quantity of seed you need for a specific project.

❌

Not quite!Seed zones are important, and were developed by foresters after wildfires in the 1920’s-1940’s to track seed sources for large-scale planting projects after wildfires.

✓

Bravo!

Seed zones were developed to help track ecological niches for seed, and lower the risk of dieoff when replanting.

❌

Not quite! While this is data you will need, seed zones do not provide this specific information.

Suitable seedlings

Getting the right seedlings

For landscapes with torched soils specifically, looking for seedlings with a greater root versus shoot mass have the possibility to exhibit greater survival.

The Target Plant Concept provides a framework for producing and handling seedlings, and helps with planning reforestation projects, coordinating with nurseries, and choosing the right materials and techniques for landowner objectives.

For more information about the different types of seedlings that can be grown in a nursery, read the “stocktypes” section Button

Ordering seedlings

What to expect in this process.

It can take one to three years for the seedlings to grow in a nursery before they are ready for planting (and this is if the seed is available).

If you do not have seed, the nursery may be able to work with you to source or collect. However, this can delay the project further.

Once seedlings are inspected and deemed ready, they are available for delivery. This is a critical stage which can affect seedling quality. Proper planning of seedling transportation will decrease costs and improve chances for survival.

Reach out to an associated nursery with any questions or inquiries:

Stocktypes

What is a stocktype, and what common forms are out there?

Naming Convention
You will likely see stocktypes expressed in a two-part code (ex: 1+0, P+1) or dash (ex: 1-0, P-1).

• If the first part is a digit:
• It was grown in an outdoor seedbed
• The digit represents the years (growing seasons) it grew in the bed
• If the first part is a letter:
• It started as a container (P = Plug)
• Second digit represents years in a transplant bed

Common Stocktypes

Styro-block 2A

Western Red Cedar

40 mL 4-5 in

Styro-block 4A

Douglas Fir

60 mL 4-5 in

Styro-block 5

Western Larch

95 mL 5-6 in

Styro-block 6

Lodgepole Pine

105 mL 6 in

Styro-block 8

Incense Cedar

130 mL 8 in

Styro-block 10

Ponderosa Pine

170 mL 10 in

Styro-block 15

Noble Fir

250 mL 12 in

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Styro-block

• 2A: Starter plug size for transplant seedlings
• 4A: Good for remote locations with poor access
• 5: Stony, shallow soils or high spring water table
• 6: Shallow soils in areas at risk of drought with high level of duff / debris
• 8: Mixed soil types with risk of drought or snowpack
• 10: Saturated soils with competing vegetation
• 15: Deep soils with high risk of environmental damage (snowpack, browsing, vegetation)

Bareroot

• P+1 2A: Sites with high risk of environmental damage (snowpack, browsing, vegetation)
• P+1 4A: Sites with high risk of environmental damage where larger seedling is needed
• P+1 XL: Largest seedling available, best for sites with high risk of browsing damage or vegetation

How to pick the right stocktype:

Test your knowledge. Which of these is NOT a common stocktype?

A: 2A B: 15 C: 9 D: 4A

❌

Not quite! 2A is a common stocktype. It is a starter plug size for transplant seedlings.

❌

Not quite! 15 is a common stocktype. It is good for deep soils, with high risk of environmental damage (snowpack, browsing, vegetation)

✓

Bravo!

9 is not a common stocktype for conifer trees in nurseries.

❌

Not quite! 4A is a common stocktype. It is good for remote locations with poor access.

Resources

How we prepared this topic

• Oregon Department of Forestry - Forest Tree Seed Zones for Western Oregon - Includes individual species-specific recommendations for seed transfer
• CA Seed Zones (CAL FIRE) - Includes map of the seed zones and description for the numbering system
• Reforestation Is Great! But We’re Running Out of Seeds - Wired article discussing the nationwide seed shortage
• "Preparing for climate change: forestry and assisted migration". Williams and Dumroese (2013) - Dive deeper on the topic of seed transfer
• “The scientific basis of the Target Plant Concept: An overview” (Davis and Pinto) - Read more about the Target Plant Concept, summarizing current knowledge from existing literature
• "Review of reforestation value chain planning and management: A conceptual framework" (Mousavijad et al 2022) - A thorough literature review to identify existing reforestation value chain frameworks.