Western Dry Forests

Discover how we’re catalyzing restoration across the western U.S.

Aerial image shows a forest in Oregon with green, healthy section previously restored with burning and thinning, A dense section with brown needles was only thinned. And a severely burned area. — Dry Forests Aerial Images of burned forest in Eastern Oregon. © Brady Holden

Spanning nearly 150 million acres across North America, western dry forests are vital to life in the West. Today, their health is rapidly declining as large, severe wildfires burn millions of acres each year—destroying habitat, threatening communities and depleting resources.

Building on more than 60 years of expertise in prescribed fire and forest management, TNC’s Western Dry Forests Program is leading and convening efforts to restore dry forest resiliency and reduce wildfire severity throughout the West.

Together, we can create a resilient future for western dry forests.

Dry Forests Ponderosa pines after forest thinning in the Ashland watershed, Oregon. © Evan Barrientos/TNC

What are Western Dry Forests?

Known for their ponderosa pines and mixed conifers, long dry seasons and natural cycles of low- and moderate-intensity fire, western dry forests provide essential benefits for people and wildlife. They supply and filter drinking water, clean our air, power rural economies, provide diverse wildlife habitat, support recreation and are places of cultural significance.

Western Dry Forests by the Numbers

12

Western dry forests grow across 12 U.S. states and two Canadian provinces.
4x

Without change, severely burned western forests are projected to quadruple by the mid-21st century.
72%

Together, thinning and prescribed burning can reduce wildfire severity up to 72%.
$7

Reducing wildfire risk in high-risk watersheds can return as much as $7 for every $1 spent.