Lincoln National Forest

The Scott Able Reforestation Project is a significant effort to restore Lincoln National Forest in southern New Mexico following the devastating Scott Able Fire of May 2000. This wildfire burned approximately 16,000 acres, leaving behind barren landscapes, eroded soils, and severely disrupted water systems. The fire stripped the forest of its ability to regenerate naturally and degraded habitats critical for native wildlife, including the endangered Mexican spotted owl and the New Mexico meadow jumping mouse.

In 2024, 50,000 native trees—primarily ponderosa pine, Douglas fir, and white fir—will be planted to rehabilitate this damaged ecosystem. These tree species are essential to stabilizing the forest's fragile soils, reducing erosion, and improving watershed health in a region where water is a scarce and valuable resource. Their reintroduction will also help rebuild habitats for diverse wildlife, including mule deer, black bears, bobcats, and numerous bird species that depend on the forest for shelter and food.

Beyond supporting wildlife, the project addresses critical environmental challenges by enhancing the forest's carbon sequestration capacity, contributing to climate resilience, and fostering a healthier, more balanced ecosystem. The reforestation effort will also support the recovery of understory vegetation, which in turn benefits pollinators, small mammals, and amphibians, creating a thriving, interconnected environment.

Lincoln National Forest spans over 1.1 million acres and is home to varied ecosystems, from desert grasslands to dense woodlands and riparian areas. This reforestation project restores ecological balance and safeguards local communities from the long-term effects of soil erosion, water shortages, and climate change. The initiative, led by the U.S. Forest Service in collaboration with local and national partners, underscores the importance of proactive conservation and restoration to preserve natural landscapes for future generations. The Scott Able Reforestation Project sets a benchmark for large-scale ecological recovery efforts in fire-prone regions by revitalizing the affected areas.