RUIDOSO, N.M. — The Lincoln National Forest is preparing to begin a five-year reforestation project aimed at restoring thousands of acres impacted by the Blue 2 Fire and South Fork Fire.
Forest officials announced they have secured 40,000 tree seedlings through a partnership with the National Forest Foundation, enough to reforest approximately 300 acres within the Blue 2 Fire burn scar.
The Blue 2 Fire area will be the first focus of the restoration effort, with planting expected to begin as part of the long-term recovery plan. Reforestation work in the South Fork Fire burn scar is scheduled to begin in 2028, after fuels reduction activities are completed and soils on steep slopes have had time to stabilize.
Officials say the project is designed to support forest regeneration, restore wildlife habitat, reduce erosion, and improve long-term ecosystem health in areas heavily damaged by wildfire.
The effort also includes a community engagement component. Nearly 100 seedlings have been “adopted” and named by local residents and visitors who participated in the Forest Service’s Smokey Bear Days outreach event. Participants will be able to follow the progress of their adopted trees online as they grow.
Forest leaders say the reforestation project represents a significant step toward restoring landscapes affected by some of the most destructive wildfires in recent years and strengthening the resilience of the Lincoln National Forest for future generations.
