Restoration

Mill Creek Forest Restoration

A three-year program has been designed to continue the emergency forest protection and restoration actions described in the Forest Ecosystem Restoration and Protection Project (FERPP) and the Landscape Stabilization and Erosion Prevention Plan (LSEPP). The coordinated forest restoration efforts at Mill Creek, including ecological thinning and wildlife monitoring has been provided by the Wildlife Conservation Board.

Forest Restoration: The purpose of the Forest Restoration Program is to promote forest restoration efforts to the benefit of marbled murrelet, northern spotted owl, Pacific fisher and sensitive riparian species by increasing grow capacity in nursery and expanding involvement of the community in providing youth educational and job training opportunities. 

Reforestation of newly removed roads, stream crossings and unstable slopes is needed to recover critical upland habitats and help moderate climate change. Large conifers (i.e. redwood and Douglas fir) are also lacking in select riparian corridors. The onsite nursery ensures that growing material is collected and grown onsite, maintaining the genetic integrity of the forest. An active program of forest restoration compliments reforestation efforts by releasing growth of existing trees through the application of variable density thinning. 

Mill Creek Nursery: The purpose of the nursery is to increase capacity of propagation facilities, including shade house and additional propagation materials and supplies. Nursery practices will be evaluated by a consulting service, which will also evaluate soil and water quality. Youth training program will be integrated into nursery operations to provide educational opportunities to youth and volunteers in the Del Norte community.