Scientists face challenges in replanting U.S. forests after wildfires

Scientists are facing significant challenges in replanting forests after wildfires, particularly due to climate change. The U.S. lacks sufficient seed collection, nursery capacity, and trained workers to effectively restore burned areas, which are increasingly difficult to prepare for planting. The gap between burned land needing replanting and available resources has grown to at least 3.8 million acres. Many areas may never regenerate naturally due to larger, more intense fires and changing climate conditions, leading to concerns about future water supplies from forested ecosystems. Efforts are underway to adapt replanting strategies, including planting at different elevations and experimenting with new species. However, experts emphasize the need for increased nursery capacity and collaboration between public and private sectors to address the growing reforestation gap.