U.S. Faces Major Hurdles in Replanting Forests After Devastating Wildfires

Climate change, lack of resources, and intense wildfires complicate efforts to restore burned forests.

Researchers struggle to identify tree species that can survive in changing climates and replanting conditions.
The gap between areas needing replanting and the ability to do so has grown to at least 3.8 million acres and could triple by 2050.
The U.S. lacks sufficient seed collection, seedling production, and trained workers to meet replanting demands.
Forest Service rules and lengthy environmental assessments delay replanting efforts, exacerbating the reforestation gap.
Innovative strategies, including planting at different elevations and using different species, are being explored to improve survival rates.