Bitterroot National Forest

The Bitterroot National Forest in Montana has implemented a series of targeted reforestation projects to restore forest structure, support biodiversity, and strengthen the landscape's resilience to wildfire, disease, and climate-related stress.

In 2025, the forest advanced its recovery efforts through the Trail Ridge Post-Fire Reforestation project, planting 128,313 native tree seedlings in areas impacted by wildfire. The project aimed to stabilize soils, restore forest cover, and support the recovery of wildlife habitat in high-severity burn zones.

In 2024, the Saddle Mountain Whitebark Pine Planting project introduced 11,100 whitebark pine seedlings in areas impacted by past wildfires and environmental stress. The project focused on restoring this keystone high-elevation species, which plays a critical role in maintaining biodiversity and watershed function.

In 2022, the Woods Pass Whitebark Pine Reforestation project planted 41,800 seedlings in regions affected by white pine blister rust and mountain pine beetle. The effort targeted the restoration of declining whitebark pine populations to improve ecological stability at upper elevations.

In 2021, the North Fork of Rye Creek Wildfire Reforestation project brought 47,000 conifer seedlings to areas previously burned by wildfire. The project supported post-fire recovery by reducing erosion, reestablishing native forest species, and enhancing wildlife habitat.

The earliest of these efforts, the 2019 Robbins Gulch Spring Planting, added 55,166 seedlings to areas impacted by prior logging and natural disturbance. This project focused on improving forest structure, watershed health, and habitat connectivity across the landscape.

Together, these projects represent a coordinated restoration strategy aimed at rebuilding the ecological health of the Bitterroot National Forest through the reintroduction of native species and the recovery of post-disturbance landscapes.