Nez Perce-Clearwater National Forests

In 2024, the Nez Perce-Clearwater National Forests continued their commitment to ecological restoration through the Central Zone Spring and Fall Plantings project. This initiative focused on rehabilitating areas affected by past wildfires and other disturbances by planting 90,332 native tree seedlings, including species such as western white pine, western larch, and ponderosa pine. The project aimed to restore forest cover, enhance biodiversity, and improve ecosystem resilience across the central zones of the forests.

Building upon previous restoration efforts, the 2023 Lolo Pass (BM Hill) Wildfire Restoration project addressed landscapes impacted by the BM Hill Fire near Lolo Pass. By planting 28,000 native tree seedlings, the project sought to accelerate forest regeneration, stabilize soils, and restore habitats for species dependent on forested environments.

In 2022, the Johnson Bar and Woodrat Fires Reforestation project continued these restoration efforts by introducing 86,000 native tree seedlings into fire-affected areas. This work was essential in promoting ecological recovery, enhancing forest diversity, and reducing the risk of future disturbances from wildfires, insects, and diseases.

These restoration activities are part of a broader strategy to address the impacts of past wildfires and prevent future catastrophic events. By reducing fuel loads and restoring natural fire regimes, the forest aims to create a more resilient ecosystem capable of withstanding environmental stressors. Additionally, these efforts contribute to the preservation of critical watersheds and the protection of nearby communities from wildfire threats.