The largest private landowner in the nation, Red Emmerson and his family prioritize sustainable forest management as a foundational strategy. In 2024, the Emmerson’s Sierra Pacific Industries (SPI) took this commitment to the next level: opening a state-of-the-art conifer seedling nursery complex to help meet the reforestation needs of the American West.

Over one-third of California’s forestlands have been severely affected by wildfires in recent years, with many areas at risk of being overtaken by brush without replanting. Recognizing this urgency, SPI invested more than $40 million in a cutting-edge nursery facility, aided by a $3 million CAL FIRE grant. This initiative ensures a steady supply of conifer seedlings that are essential for reforestation.

Construction for this facility began in April 2023, and by February 2024, the first seeds were sown. By October, the nursery had more than 5 million seedlings ready for distribution and planting in the forest. A ribbon-cutting ceremony celebrated the efforts of the SPI team and its partners, including Siskiyou County, CAL FIRE, and the US Forest Service, all of whom contributed to making this project a reality.

This milestone marks the beginning of a larger vision. SPI plans to double its seedling production in 2025 with the ultimate goal of reaching an annual capacity of 25 million seedlings. This figure would nearly double California’s current seedling production and play a crucial role in reforestation efforts on federal, state, and private forestlands.

SPI’s approach is rooted in responsible forestry practices. It provides the certainty of healthy, growing forests that support timber production, clean water and air, wildlife habitats, recreation, and rural economies. For every tree that SPI harvests, at least three trees are planted in its place.

The new nursery reinforces SPI’s commitment to conservation and reforestation. By investing in innovative solutions and collaborating with partners, the company is ensuring forests — and the products and benefits derived from forests — will be here for generations to come.

The first seedlings were sown in February 2024. By October, 5 million were ready to be planted.