Land Trust President Steve Cumblidge presented a check to Allison Stewart, the district ranger, at an informal acknowledgement ceremony on March 9 at the Sky Forest Ranger Station.

Cumblidge remarked that it was a small token toward the continuing effort to heal the burned area. The Willow Fire was the largest wildfire ever in the San Bernardino Mountains, consuming a total of 65,000 acres, including extensive tracts of mature timberland. Those who visit the worst of the devastated area see a lifeless expanse of charred trees, where it will take many years to recover.

The Penny Pines program originated in 1946 as a way for the public to facilitate the recovery of their favorite forest areas. "These funds play a major role in helping us in our reforestation efforts," said Stewart, who manages the entire Mountaintop Ranger District from Crestline to Big Bear. "The forest service will be able to replant larger areas with the seedlings trees this money buys," she pointed out. "We are very grateful."

Progress in reforesting the burn area has been gradually underway since last spring. With the help of Pilot Rock CDF crews, some 16,000 trees have been planted so far in selected areas. Fresh green life has returned to nearly 50 acres, where the new miniature forests have been started as a result of this program. Up to 20 more acres will be added as a result of the Land Trust support.

Any further Penny Pine fund-raising campaign for the Willow Fire restoration, which will require several more years, has been adopted by the Mountain Rim Fire Safe Council.

Article written by Peter Jorris, director and founder of San Bernardino Mountains Land Trust.