Due to wildfire suppression and other management legacies, current forest conditions do not reflect those that existed historically. Today, tree densities are significantly higher and species composition has shifted, leading to a loss of diversity - forests that are more uniform in age, composition (species present), and structure.

As a result, forest landscapes are more vulnerable to extreme wildfire conditions and disease. Loss of diversity also hinders the ecosystems ability to support healthy plant and wildlife habitat and clean water.

By implementing Forest Restoration plans - which often includes prescribed burning and/or thinning trees and shrubs - we can reduce fuel loads and help our forests return to a more resilient and diverse state.