Central Appalachian Spruce Restoration Initiative (CASRI)
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A partnership of diverse interests with a common goal of restoring historic red spruce-northern hardwood ecosystems across the high elevation landscapes of Central Appalachia. It is comprised of private, state, federal, and non-governmental organizations which recognize the importance of this ecosystem for its ecological, aesthetic, recreational, economic, and cultural values. |
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CASRI and the Appalachian LCCWorking at a landscape scale requires close coordination with multiple partners. CASRI uses the best available science to implement conservation activities that will restore red-spruce northern hardwood ecosystems. The Appalachian LCC funds research to develop the vital information and decision support tools that CASRI can use to inform management decisions for on-the-ground restoration, while The Nature Conservancy’s Central Appalachians Program provides critical support to CASRI on a regional scale. Furthermore, the Appalachian Mountains Joint Venture plays a vital role in coordinating and linking efforts between CASRI and the newly formed Southern Appalachian Spruce Restoration Initiative as they restore this vital ecosystem across the Appalachian landscape.
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The CASRI Vision and SuccessA red spruce-northern hardwood ecosystem restored across portions of its former range on both public and private lands, with the scale, connectivity,maturity, and other features which will allow it to be fully functioning and sustainable over time. Utilizing GIS models, key areas have been identified based on criteria such as proximity to existing spruce habitat, proximity to public land, high priority stream, cave or karst. CASRI seeks funding to do restoration projects on these key areas, and works with private landowners to distribute information about the value of red spruce- northern hardwood forests. A major component of management in these areas is the coordination of ecosystem restoration activities across the Central Appalachian landscape. Learn more about the Initiative. 2012 proved to be another successful year for the growing restoration initiative. CASRI partners helped raise an additional $725,800.00 for on-the-ground projects in 2012, adding to the $162,341.00 raised since 2006. This represents the best fundraising year yet. CASRI partners planted 34,275 seedlings and recruited over 2,175 volunteer hours. Acres planted totaled roughly 206 for 2012, adding to the over 715 acres planted since 2006. Over 160 acres of red spruce were released from the understory by commercial and non-commercial cuttings. Download the report. Events
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