Global Releaf Search

Directly Benefits: People of San Bernardino, Riverside, and San Diego counties

Location: California

Year: 2011

Goals

Restore ecosystem damaged by wildfires

Establish erosion and flood control in a mountainous region

Educate tree planting volunteers and public

Notable Highlights

American Forests, the Mojave Resource Conservation District (MDRCD), the California Department of Forestry and Fire (CAL FIRE), and local volunteers are partnering in the Mountain Communities Wildfire ReLeaf Project to restore the mountainside of California that many people call home.

In 2003 and 2007, wildfires swept through the region which caused 100 percent forest mortality in some areas. The bark beetle has also plagued California, and many other Western states. The larvae of the beetle feed on the bark of trees and disrupt the tree’s feeding habits. This process eventually leads to the tree’s death. Overall, twelve million conifers in the project area have died. In this year’s restoration project sugar pines, along with other conifer species, will be planted.

American Forests has supported this initiative since 2005, having planted an astounding 376,062 trees, which have benefitted more than 75,000 local property owners.