Project Profile: Restoring Iconic Redwood Forests and Watersheds

Redwood Forest in Redwood National and State Parks.

NPS Photo

Inflation Reduction Act
Restoration | FY23 $8,000,000

The National Park Service (NPS) is bolstering landscape-scale restoration efforts in Redwood National and State Parks, specifically targeting the Prairie Creek watershed. This initiative, executed by the Redwoods Rising collaborative comprising the NPS, California State Parks, and Save the Redwoods League, aims to accelerate the restoration of 43,280 acres through strategic interventions such as forest thinning, road removal, and aquatic ecosystem enhancement.

Why? With a focus on the Prairie Creek watershed, the project aligns with the Congressional intent outlined in the 1978 park expansion act (PL 95-250). By leveraging private philanthropy, state, and federal funds, the Redwoods Rising collaborative seeks to expedite high-priority restoration. The project's strategic forest thinning and removal of legacy logging roads aim to reduce wildfire risks, enhance carbon capture and fortify forest resilience. The initiative builds on Redwoods Rising's successful restoration activities since 2019, demonstrating the collaborative's capacity to secure funding and implement impactful measures.

What Else? The project, grounded in completed National Environmental Policy Act, California Environmental Quality Act, Endangered Species Act, and National Historic Preservation Act compliance requirements, is shovel-ready, allowing immediate implementation. It not only contributes to regional and national priorities, including the Justice 40 Initiative and climate resilience but also addresses local community needs in Orick. Additionally, the project fosters long-term restoration and protection of the redwood ecosystem, benefiting local communities and providing training opportunities for youth.

About the Inflation Reduction Act

The Inflation Reduction Act provides the National Park Service with an historic opportunity to address critical ecosystem resilience, restoration, and environmental planning needs. Projects funded in national parks represent broad-scale and impactful resource investments across every corner of our nation—from Alaska to Florida to Maine.