The goal of this project is to expand tree seedling production at a tree nursery

The Department of Agriculture Forest Service R5-Pacific Southwest Region awarded the Hoopa Valley Tribe $250,000 on March 16, 2026, under the Bipartisan Infrastructure Act Nursery Vegetation program (CFDA 10.736) to expand tree seedling production capacity at the tribe's nursery facility in California.

The recipient will hire skilled staff and procure soil-sterilizing equipment to increase annual seedling production from approximately 500,000 to 3 million or more. Activities include collecting conifer cones with a cone-collecting specialist and processing collected seed at the nursery to meet specific seedling requirements and client demand for reforestation efforts. The funding covers salaries, equipment acquisition, and contract labor associated with expanding production capacity.

Performance extends through September 29, 2030.

The nursery currently produces about 500,000 seedlings each year. By hiring skilled staff and obtaining needed soil-sterilizing equipment, the nursery can increase production to 3 million seedlings or more. Activities will also include collecting conifer cones with the help of a cone-collecting specialist. The collected seed will be processed at the nursery to meet important seed needs and specific seedling requirements. This increased capacity will help the nursery serve more clients and supply more seedlings for reforestation efforts.