Seedling Tree Applications Now Available Through Colorado State Forest Service
The Colorado State Forest Service is now accepting applications on a first-come, first-served basis for more than 40 varieties of low-cost seedling trees and shrubs from its Fort Collins nursery. Orders will be available for pickup or delivery early next spring.
Coloradans who own two or more acres of land and are interested in conservation goals such as creating natural windbreaks, improving wildlife habitat or reforesting properties impacted by wildfire are eligible to purchase the low-cost seedlings.
“Planting 100 or more mature trees can get very expensive, but the same number of seedlings is quite affordable,” said Randy Moench, CSFS Nursery manager.
The CSFS seedling tree program is designed to encourage Colorado farmers, ranchers and rural landowners to plant seedling trees and shrubs for conservation purposes. Through a cooperative effort with Colorado State University Extension offices and county conservation districts throughout the state, about 5,000 Coloradans plant seedling trees each year to meet conservation goals.
Seedling trees have many uses and benefits, including:
- Wind and snow control;
- Enhanced wildlife habitat;
- Livestock protection;
- Increased property values;
- Energy conservation;
- Carbon sequestration;
- Reduced utility bills;
- Noise and dust abatement; and
- Reduced soil erosion.
Mountain landowners interested in reforesting properties affected by bark beetle infestation or recent wildfires are eligible to purchase seedlings to replant a wide variety of native trees, including lodgepole pine, Douglas-fir, ponderosa pine and aspen.
To purchase seedling trees from the CSFS, landowners must possess two or more acres of land, use seedlings for conservation purposes only and agree not to use seedlings for landscaping or resale. Moench said interested landowners should order as soon as possible, while all tree and shrub species are still available.
For more information about the CSFS seedling tree program, contact a local CSFS district office, visit www.csfs.colostate.edu or call the CSFS Nursery at (970) 491-8429.
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