CPRW & Partners Continuing Reforestation Efforts in 2023
Volunteers listen closely on how to properly plant tree seedlings before getting to work and getting their hands dirty (Photo credit: Summer Rae Maid)
The Coalition for the Poudre River Watershed (CPRW) and partners have plans to plant approximately 8,000 ponderosa pine seedlings this spring and an additional 7,500 seedlings in the fall of 2023 as part of a collaborative effort to restore forests affected by wildfire. Planting will occur on private lands that were burned in the High Park Fire of 2012 and/or the Cameron Peak Fire of 2020. Areas for planting have been selected based on a number of criteria including seed zone location, elevation, and whether natural regeneration of pine species is occurring. Since 2021, the group has planted over 12,500 ponderosa pine trees in both the Poudre and Big Thompson watersheds.
Planting will be completed primarily by corps members from the Larimer County Conservation Corps and by local volunteers. Spring reforestation efforts will begin in late April and continue through May as the weather warms and the deep snow pack melts at high elevations. Fall planting will occur in September-October. Volunteer opportunities with CPRW are still in the works, so stay tuned to our newsletter and social media for volunteer planting openings. Our partners at Wildlands Restoration Volunteers have two planting dates scheduled for the spring. Click the links below to sign up:
May 6, 2023 - Cameron Peak Fire Tree Planting 1
May 7, 2023 - Cameron Peak Fire Tree Planting 2
Along with tree planting, CPRW and partners will be continuing pine cone collection efforts this fall in order to bolster the depleted seed supply needed for local reforestation efforts. This involves scouting for mature ponderosa pine cones, collecting the cones from the trees, and then harvesting the seeds from the cones. From there, local nurseries can grow the seeds we collect, and the seedlings can be planted the following year. Stay tuned for more information on our cone collection efforts and the possibility of volunteer projects in the fall to assist with collection.
For questions about our reforestation and cone collection projects please email Cory Dick at cory@poudrewatershed.org.