Current appropriations allow the planting of only some 14,000 acres a year. At this rate it would take more than 16 years to plant this unproductive land. And each year newly burned areas add to the total planting job still to be done. Wild animals, birds, and fish depend upon the forests and streams for food and shelter. Grasses and shrubs in the forest furnish feed for wildlife and domestic animal.
Forests hold the fertile top soil in place, keeping it from washing into streams and reservoirs.
Forests provide timber for lumber, plywood, boxes, poles, furniture, paper, and thousands of other products. They provide a livelihood for many of our people. To provide all the benefits we enjoy from the National Forests in California, we must speed up the pace of reforestation. Planting sites are selected by the Supervisor of the National Forest. Northern California plantations are for soil protection, beauty, and future harvestable timber.