Umpqua National Forest

Due to climate change and past fire suppression policies, wildfires nationwide continue to grow larger, burn longer, and cause more destruction. Umpqua National Forest is one of many examples of this reality. In 2020, wildfires burned over one million acres across Oregon, including 36,000 acres within the Umpqua National Forest.

The scale of the damage was severe, leaving many areas without the ability to naturally regenerate due to the loss of seed sources. As a result, targeted reforestation efforts have been necessary to restore forest cover, stabilize ecosystems, and support long-term recovery.

In 2026, restoration efforts continued through multiple planting projects across fire-affected areas. These included Jack Fire recovery plantings totaling over 300,000 trees, as well as smaller-scale oak plantings and restoration work at recreation sites. These efforts focus on rebuilding forest structure, restoring habitat, and protecting sensitive watershed areas.

In 2025 and continuing into 2026, additional large-scale planting efforts were carried out across the Thielsen and Archie Creek fire areas, as well as the Jack Fire burn scar. Together, these projects contributed hundreds of thousands of trees to landscapes where natural regeneration has been limited.

Tree planting in these areas plays a critical role in restoring watershed health, particularly along streams that support species such as coho salmon and steelhead trout. These species depend on shaded, cool water conditions that healthy forest cover helps maintain.

Reforestation also supports nearby communities. The North Umpqua River provides drinking water for towns like Glide and Roseburg, and restoring vegetation helps reduce erosion and sedimentation that can impact water quality. By stabilizing soils and streambanks, these projects help protect both ecosystems and local infrastructure.

Together, these efforts represent a coordinated approach to restoring the Umpqua National Forest following wildfire, ensuring long-term ecological recovery, improved water quality, and increased resilience across the landscape.