The NCFS Programs & Services Assist Landowners Reforestation
North Carolina -- September 19, 2024: Restoring damaged forests or growing forests on currently unforested land is known as forestation, a process encompassing three key methods:
restoration, reforestation, and afforestation. Restoration involves rehabilitating forests that have been degraded or destroyed, often through human activities or natural disasters.
The focus of replanting trees in areas where forests have previously existed but have been depleted, aiding in the recovery of ecosystems. Afforestation, on the other hand, refers to planting trees in areas where there were no forests before, creating new forests and promoting biodiversity. Together, these practices contribute to carbon sequestration, climate resilience, and ecosystem restoration.
"The N.C. Forest Service offers programs and services to assist landowners with this process. One program available to landowners is the Forest Development Program, which is North Carolina’s flagship tree-planting program. The FDP is a cost- share program that partially reimburses a landowner for the cost of site preparation, seedling purchases, tree planting, release of desirable seedlings from competing vegetation, or any other work needed to establish a new forest. Additional practices aimed at improving existing forests may also qualify for funding through this program.
Ask your N.C. Forest Service county ranger about FDP and other assistance that may help you manage your forest.