White River National Forest

The White River National Forest in Colorado has experienced wildfire damage across multiple regions in recent years, prompting targeted reforestation efforts to restore forest cover, improve ecosystem function, and support wildlife habitat.

In 2025, the forest advanced its recovery through the Sylvan Fire Tree Planting project. A total of 55,000 native tree seedlings were planted to support reforestation in areas impacted by the 2021 Sylvan Fire. The project aimed to reestablish conifer cover, stabilize soils, and accelerate forest regeneration across high-severity burn zones.

In 2024, the Basalt Mountain Wildfire Planting project introduced 70,000 trees to areas affected by the 2018 Lake Christine Fire. The planting focused on restoring native species, improving habitat conditions, and enhancing landscape resilience in fire-scarred terrain.

In 2022, the Peak 2 Fire Reforestation project added 47,000 trees to approximately 80 acres burned near Breckenridge during the 2017 Peak 2 Fire. This project supported erosion control, natural regeneration, and improved wildlife habitat.

In 2021, the Gutzler Wildfire Reforestation project focused on restoring 150 acres impacted by the 2017 Gutzler Fire in Eagle County. A total of 67,461 Engelmann spruce and lodgepole pine seedlings were planted to reintroduce native forest structure in areas that experienced high-intensity burn and limited natural regeneration.

Together, these projects represent a coordinated effort to restore forest health and ecological balance across the White River National Forest following wildfire disturbance. Through strategic replanting of native species, the forest continues to recover while protecting biodiversity, watershed function, and long-term ecosystem resilience.