U.S. Department of Agriculture announced nearly $10 million for forest nursery and native seed partnerships.
Funding from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law includes $4.5 million for forest nursery modernization in 29 facilities across the nation and in the U.S. island territories and commonwealths, according to a Feb. 24 USDA news release. The funding also includes $5.3 million for native seed collection and plant availability to restore and support ecosystems in the nation's forests and grasslands.
"As forests across the nation are confronted by the climate crisis, wildfire, natural disasters and insect and disease outbreaks, it is critical to support nurseries and help them meet the demand for seedlings to restore healthy, resilient forests," USDA Secretary Tom Vilsack said in the news release. "The Biden-Harris administration is making a forward-thinking investment in the nation’s reforestation pipeline and ensuring we have the capacity we need to restore the healthy and resilient forests that we all treasure."
This funding is intended to help build capacity across the nation's public and private lands for reforestation and to complement the previously announced $35 million for Forest Service nurseries in support of the National Forest System Reforestation Strategy, the release reported.
Many post-fire landscapes and other deforested areas need more than tree seedlings, according to the news release. Forest restoration requires native grasses, flowers and shrubs. The U.S. Forest Service provides technical assistance for reforestation, restoration and conservation, and that technical assistance is extended to governments, communities and organizations in public and private lands, both in the U.S. and worldwide.
The recipients for USDA's funding will receive money to purchase new equipment, replace aging infrastructure and adopt new nursery methods, the release reported. The Forest Service also expects to closely with several tribes and will provide funding to assist to modernize existing nursery programs.
