Project Implementation

A history of fire suppression and the elimination of indigenous burning practices has led to forests overstocked with trees. A recent study reported that average tree density in 2011 was 6-7 times what it was in 1911, and average tree size was reduced by 50%. In addition to increasing risk of high-severity wildfire, overstocked stands increase tree competition for space, light, water, and nutrients, leaving them more vulnerable to stressors like drought, fire, and pests.

How do Sierra Institute and Partners implement forest restoration?

Increasing Forest Resilience

We are thinning overstocked forest stands to promote the development of resilient, healthy, complex forests.

Reintroducing Fire

We are preparing the landscape for planned and unplanned fire by removing woody material at the surface, ladder, and canopy levels of forests, and applying prescribed fire to the fire-adapted landscape.

Protecting Critical Habitat

We are maintaining and enhancing habitat connectivity to allow wildlife to respond to changing climatic conditions. This includes restoring fire-impacted landscapes to promote biodiversity and preserving mature forest stands for at-risk species such as the California spotted owl.

Wildland Urban Interface (WUI)

A WUI is an area where human habitation is mixed with areas of flammable wildland vegetation. Sierra Institute and partners such as federal agencies and local firewise councils work with WUI communities to advance work that reduces the risk of severe fire effects to communities through education, targeted fuels reduction and forest thinning, and infrastructure development.

Education and Collaboration

Through forums such as the South Lassen Watersheds Group, Sierra Institute provides a platform for discussing environmental stewardship and community protection. By bringing together interested parties, we educate and empower community members to prepare for planned and unplanned fires.

Hazardous Fuels Reduction

Forest restoration projects include reducing surface, ladder, and canopy fuels that would otherwise feed wildfires. This reduces the risk of wildfires affecting our communities and prepares the landscape for safe application of prescribed and managed fire, and cultural burning. Fuel reduction makes communities more defensible against fire by improving accessibility and safety for emergency personnel and community members.