Sierra National Forest

The Sierra National Forest in central California has experienced extensive wildfire damage in recent years, most notably from the 2020 Creek Fire, which burned over 379,000 acres. In response, a series of coordinated reforestation projects have been implemented to restore forest cover, rebuild wildlife habitat, and improve ecosystem resilience across severely impacted areas.

In 2025, the forest advanced its recovery through the Creek Fire Reforestation Mushroom/Balsam project. A total of 100,000 native tree seedlings were planted in high-severity burn zones, focusing on reestablishing forest structure, stabilizing soils, and supporting watershed health. This project targeted a key section of the Creek Fire footprint and continued broader efforts to accelerate post-fire regeneration.

These efforts built on the 2024 Huntington Recovery Reforestation project, which aimed to plant 150,000 trees near Huntington Lake in the High Sierra Ranger District. The project focused on restoring habitat, reducing future fire risk, and promoting long-term forest health by planting a mix of ponderosa pine, sugar pine, white fir, and cedar.

In 2022, the Blue Rush and Creek Fire Reforestation project introduced 150,000 seedlings to areas most severely affected by the Creek Fire. This initiative supported early-phase recovery and laid the groundwork for future plantings.

In 2021, the CCI Creek Restoration project added 228,059 trees to fire-damaged regions, reinforcing the forest’s ecological integrity and improving conditions for native wildlife.

Together, these reforestation projects represent a sustained commitment to restoring the Sierra National Forest following wildfire and environmental stress. Through targeted planting and habitat recovery, the forest is regaining its structure and function ensuring its ecological health for generations to come.