DEPARTMENT OF FORESTRY AND FIRE PROTECTION

5800 Chiles Road

Davis, CA 95618

(530) 753-2441

Website: www.fire.ca.gov

 

 

5/20/2026

RE: Reforestation Because of YOU (RBY)

 

Dear Forest Landowner,

On behalf of the state and people of California, thank you for all the work you do to take care of your part of California’s forestlands. It is not easy work to manage vegetation, maintain road systems, and work towards a resilient forest that provides a wide variety of benefits.

As the State Department of Forestry and Fire Protection, CAL FIRE is invested in the health of forestlands and in facilitating reforestation. That is why, in addition to everything you already do, we request your help: Would you be willing to participate in the CAL FIRE Reforestation Services Program (RSP)’s 2026 Cone Survey?

Every year in the summer months, RSP staff, CAL FIRE unit staff, and cooperators conduct surveys of California forestlands to determine where forests are producing cones. The cone crops identified are then monitored to determine the best time to collect. If climbers collect cones that are too green, the seeds cannot be extracted for future reforestation. If the cones are identified too late, the cones may open, and the seed collection opportunity will be lost. This is a time-sensitive endeavor.

YOU can help by providing access to your trees for the 2026 Cone Survey. Your cooperation will enable us to identify and collect vital seed resources needed for reforestation efforts across the state. If a viable crop is collected, a portion of the clean seed will be reserved for your use and stored free of charge for three years at the RSP’s State Seed Bank in Davis, per item 4 in the access agreement.

We are specifically reaching out to you because you steward forest along the Coast Ranges, an area that is underrepresented in the CAL FIRE Seed Bank. We are hoping to bank more seeds from the following species, where present: Douglas-fir, coast redwood, incense cedar, Jeffrey pine, knobcone pine, lodgepole pine, ponderosa pine, sugar pine, western white pine, and white fir. If you have one or more of these species, please consider filling out the enclosed access agreement request form for permission to visit your property, or follow the link at the bottom of the flyer to sign up online.

 

With sincere gratitude,

Erika Teach

CAL FIRE Seed Bank Manager