Climate change has fanned the flames of destructive wildfire and drought in this region. Tomorrow, it only gets worse. But when we plant today, we can shape a better future.
In the face of increasingly severe wildfires, clean air and water are under threat in the American Pacific West. Science tells us reforestation can help. So we’re focusing our work and planting trees where they’re needed most.
Why the American Pacific West Is A Priority
Nurturing burned land through trees
Wildfires are increasing in frequency and severity as climate change worsens. In 2020, more than 4 million acres of land burned in California alone. Replanting trees can nurture scorched land back to health and introduce critical moisture into a dry climate.
Protecting forests to preserve life
Iconic creatures like the bald eagle and grizzly bear rely on these forests, as do a surprising array of ecosystems. For example, cooling tree canopies give salmon the cold water they need to live. Salmon are critical to multiple ecosystems and the survival of the endangered orca whales who rely on them for nourishment.
Safeguarding vital water supplies
Trees promote healthy rainfall patterns by moving moisture into the air. Fewer trees mean less rain and more drought, drying up critical waterways that serve as drinking water supply. Water quality is also impacted by tree loss as forested watersheds in this area filter water for millions of people including residents of Seattle, Los Angeles, and San Francisco.
Leveraging partnership for greater impact
A vast majority of forests in this region are on public lands and federally protected. While that shields them from human-caused deforestation, wildfire and drought are still a threat. Through our strong, longstanding partnership with USDA Forest Service, we have the access and ability to meaningfully reforest impacted regions.
Current State
Climate change has intensified wildfires into ‘megafires’ that burn longer and hotter. As the fire worsens, the land becomes drier. The drier the land, the more fires spark. It’s a seemingly endless cycle that’s taken lives, forced people from their homes, and damaged the landscape.
The Arbor Day Foundation’s work in California, Oregon, and Washington breaks the pattern of destruction by planting trees that bring water, life, and stability to a struggling region.
Regional Threats and Challenges
Extreme drought and fire aren’t new to the Pacific West but, in a warmer world, they are worse than ever before. Without trees, we’re left with some dire consequences.
Severe ‘megafires’
Megafires have scorched the land so severely, forests can’t naturally regenerate. Planting diverse tree species can help give recovering forests stand up against fire and nurture growth.
Extreme heat
Unprecedented heat has threatened public health and ripened conditions for harmful drought. Planting trees can reduce extreme temperatures, limiting harm to people and the land.
Drought and water supply
Unyielding drought has dried up critical reservoirs that serve as major water sources. Forests recharge aquifers in the ground, keep moisture moving, and water flowing for 40 million people.
Air pollution
Thanks to wildfire and extreme heat, the top 10 most polluted counties in the U.S. are all in the Pacific West. Trees can remove pollutants from the air and help prevent respiratory illness.
Habitat loss
Wildfire has destroyed many forests in this region, leaving countless animals without a home. Reforestation can help protect iconic species like bald eagles, grizzly bear, and spotted owls.
Our Work in the American Pacific West
The Arbor Day Foundation has been a leader in reforesting this region since 1990. We’ve already helped to plant 35 million trees in the American Pacific West and committed to planting 44 million more. Our success is largely connected to our unique ability to engage partners that are highly skilled in forest management, including USDA Forest Service. Our longstanding partnership with the agency has empowered us to revitalize public lands for everyone to enjoy.
Right Trees, Right Place, Right Reason
As the world’s largest nonprofit dedicated to planting trees, the Arbor Day Foundation is committed to nurturing crucial forestlands. We leverage cutting-edge science and data to identify ecosystems of global influence, like the American Pacific West. We use our exclusive forest priority index to elevate our impact through reforestation and mobilize our network of partners to help plant at the speed of a changing world.
Donate Today to Shape Tomorrow
We need to act now to slow down the rapid pace of climate change in the American Pacific West. Trees are part of the solution. Join us as we meet the moment with trees and action.
