A large-scale reforestation project is set up to restore three of Colorado’s largest forests, that have been destroyed after massive forest fires: Spring Creek, Troublesome, and Cameron Peak. This initiative aims to enhance forest recovery by planting conifer seedlings in areas with low natural regeneration due to severe fires.
The planting process includes creating planting blocks for logistical efficiency, with teams of 10 to 20 planters planting 7,000 to 10,000 trees per day. Coordinators oversee planting, quality control, and long-term monitoring to ensure successful growth and survival.
This project is part of a broader effort to replant 2 million trees lost to wildfires between 2018 and 2021, contributing to the largest conservation-based reforestation initiative in Colorado’s history. The fires have caused significant ecological damage, from biodiversity loss to soil erosion, and reforestation will restore these vital ecosystems.
The project also incorporates research, including climate adaptation studies, ecosystem carbon balance, and wildlife recovery, to enhance forest resilience. Additionally, a network of 500 landowners will benefit from reforestation, improving flood control, water resources, and community well-being. The project will also engage indigenous communities, sourcing seedlings from Apache Nation Nurseries.
Tree species include Ponderosa pine, Douglas fir, White fir, Limber pine, Colorado Blue Spruce, and Engelmann Spruce.
