Salmon-Challis National Forest

The Salmon-Challis National Forest in east-central Idaho has been the focus of ongoing restoration and conservation efforts aimed at improving forest health, restoring watershed function, and strengthening wildlife habitat across one of the largest national forests in the lower 48 states. These efforts help address environmental challenges such as wildfire impacts, declining forest conditions, erosion, invasive species, and changing climate conditions.

In 2026, restoration efforts expanded through the Salmon-Challis National Forest Ecosystem Restoration project, which introduced 287,000 native tree seedlings across priority restoration areas. This large-scale initiative focused on improving forest structure, supporting long-term ecosystem resilience, and restoring native habitat in areas affected by disturbance and limited natural regeneration.

These efforts build on earlier restoration work completed in 2022 through the Native Watershed Recovery Initiative. During that project, approximately 64,000 native conifer seedlings were planted within key watershed and riparian areas throughout the forest. The project emphasized restoring vegetation in sensitive stream corridors and improving conditions for fish and wildlife species that depend on cold, clean water systems.

The restoration work included planting a mix of native species such as lodgepole pine, Douglas-fir, Engelmann spruce, subalpine fir, and ponderosa pine. These species help stabilize soils, reduce erosion, improve watershed health, restore wildlife habitat, and support long-term forest recovery throughout the region.

Together, these projects represent a continued commitment to restoring the Salmon-Challis National Forest through targeted reforestation efforts that improve habitat quality, protect important river systems, and strengthen ecosystem resilience across Idaho’s rugged mountain landscapes.