California (Mendocino)

About The Project

This U.S. project is based in Mendocino, California and the purpose is complex fire restoration.

The area was cleared of standing dead and sold as salvage logging to offset costs of restoration. Herbicide was applied invasive vegetation and emerging shrubs in an effort to halt type conversion and increase seedling survivability. Additional weed treatment will be provided to ensure the survival of established seedlings.

Trees will be planted by crews using hoedads along moderate to steep terrain. The trees will be planted at 560 seedlings per hectare (225 seedlings per acre). This maintains a fifteen by fifteen foot separation. The pre and post treatments indicate a greater long-term survival.

Trees will be planted along the contouring topography and in areas where the remains of previous vegetation offer additional protection (micro-shading).

Ecological Benefits

Watershed: This planting will directly benefit the Indian, Anderson, and Rancheria sections of the Mendocino Watershed. This area is a critical watershed for the Sacramento and San Joaquin Valleys. The trees will reduce the amount of sedimentation that will disrupt the flow of creeks and reduce water quality. The reduction in sediment will benefit wildlife with cleaner water.

Infiltration and hydraulic lift: Increased solarization of the soil due to reduced vegetation after high fire severity. The root systems will increase the infiltration increasing soil moisture. Additionally it will increase hydraulic lift will bring up moisture from below the surface. This will help restore the critical cycles (carbon, nutrient, water, nitrogen).

The trees will act as habitat for aviary, mammal, reptile, amphibian, and insect species. This area is an important migratory path due to its location between the ocean and the valley. Specific number of species is difficult to state, but the list below provides some specific examples.
- Ensntina (Ensatina eschscholtzii-xanthopica)
- California Slender Salamander (Batrachoseps attenuatus)
- Orange-bellied Newt ((Taricha torosa)
- American bullfrog (Lithobates catesbeianus)
- Red-tailed Hawk (Buteo jamaicensis)
- Anna's hummingbird (Calypte anna)
- American kestrel (Falco sparverius)
- Lesser Goldfinch (Spinus psaltria)
- Black-headed Grosbeak (Pheucticus melanocephalus)
- Gray Fox (Urocyon cinereoargenteus)
- Black-tailed Jackrabbit (Lepus californicus)
- Western Gray Squirrel (Sciurus griseus)
- Mountain Lion (Puma concolor)
- Western Pond Turtle (Actinemys marmorata)
Several springs (roughly two dozen) are estimated to directly benefit from restoration. The planting sites are targeted at critical points in the watershed.

Community Benefits

The forest is dependent on recreational tourism (hunting, hiking, mountain-biking, and off-roading). The absence of trees and soil instability has a detrimental impact on the industry. Reforestation often promotes an increase in visitors and represents recovery.
The crews working on the overall restoration will continue to economically benefit the area.