Tree planting efforts aren’t replacing burned U.S. forests — not even close
photo by: Evan Barrientos
By Adria Malcolm and Andrew Hay, Andrea Januta
Reforestation supporters say planting trees helps fight climate change, protects watersheds and creates jobs -- arguments that help generate both global enthusiasm and U.S. bipartisan support. Lawmakers are seeking extra federal funding for such efforts. Some public-private partnerships committed to growing trees have been launched.
Still, evidence suggests replanting campaigns cannot keep up with blazes.
Even with efforts in New Mexico, California and Oregon, there is not enough seed collection or nursery capacity, according to nearly two dozen land managers, biologists and conservationists Reuters spoke to since June.
