This project is supported by L'OCCITANE en Provence NA.
Context
In 2018, extensive areas of California's forests were consumed by devastating fires, resulting in the destruction of habitats for local animal species and recreational areas accessible to the public, including fishing spots. Urgent intervention was necessary to facilitate the reforestation of these areas. Watershed restoration is particularly crucial for California due to the state's already limited water supply. Planting trees in these locations enhances carbon sequestration, providing benefits for humanity.
Before this event, the 2013 Rim Fire devastated over 90,000 acres of land in California, making it one of the largest natural disasters of the decade in the state. This catastrophe had a devastating impact on local biodiversity and ecosystem health, requiring considerable restoration efforts to restore both the structure of the old-growth forest and the open canopy. By planting trees on these devastated lands, it is possible to contribute to carbon sequestration and ecosystem revitalization, offering significant benefits for both humanity and the environment.
Supported Project
In 2023-2024, L'OCCITANE en Provence NA supports the reforestation project in California, led by One Tree Planted in two distinct areas.
First, this project focuses on the aftermath of the Carr Fire (2018) in Shasta County, and aims to restore lands providing habitat for local animal species and recreation and fishing spaces to the public. Because of the state’s already limited water supply, the restoration of watersheds is particularly crucial to California Planting trees as it will increase carbon sequestration. The project seeks to restore the area while re-establishing its biodiversity and wildlife habitat (with the return of grey wolves for example), reducing post-fire erosion, and enhancing air and water quality.
The second part of the project deals with the Rim Wildifre Restoration in Tuolumne County. The Tuolumne Watershed is a critical supplier of water to the Central Valley and the Bay Area, and as such the project improves water quality, reduces erosion, and re-establishes habitat for local biodiversity. At the same time, the resiliency for wildlife and plant species and the connectivity across the landscape are increased. This project also provides thermal cover, structure, and habitat for native species.
In both cases, the site is prepared by the planting partners and foresters who will clear the land of dead trees and weeds. Trees are sourced, grown in local nurseries, and then planted. The site is regularly visited and monitored by the planting partners, with the production of impact reports.
Some Figures
Budget 92,698 euros
Result 105,000 planted trees
Result 1,117 ha restored
