This year, nearly 10,000 seedling trees planted for post-High Park Fire restoration efforts were provided at no cost to landowners. The free seedlings were made possible through donations from FedEx and Northrop Grumman Corp. to the Arbor Day Foundation Community Tree Recovery Campaign. The seedlings were grown at the Colorado State Forest Service Nursery in Fort Collins, and distributed to landowners throughout the month of April.
The assortment of eight different tree species is being provided for restoration plantings on private properties impacted by the fire. The seedlings will help accelerate forest regeneration and ultimately protect water supplies, restore wildlife habitat and reduce flooding and erosion.
“The Community Tree Recovery Campaign is about bringing life back to Colorado,” said Dan Lambe, Arbor Day Foundation vice president of programs. “These trees are part of the long and important history of the people and land of this state, and will be enjoyed by this and future generations of Coloradans.”
In 2013, landowners affected by the High Park Fire received more than 4,000 free seedlings from the CSFS-administered Restoring Colorado’s Forests Fund, but demand for the seedlings was so high that not all landowner requests were able to be filled that year.
“Thanks to this donation, we were able to provide free seedlings to everyone impacted by the High Park Fire who made requests,” said Boyd Lebeda, district forester for the CSFS Fort Collins District.
While all free seedling trees have been allocated for 2014, landowners interested in purchasing seedling trees at a nominal cost for conservation purposes are encouraged to explore the options available through the CSFS Nursery. Landowners should order as soon as possible, while the greatest selection of tree and shrub species is still available.
For more information about the CSFS seedling tree program, contact a local CSFS district office, visit csfs.colostate.edu or call 970-491-8429.
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