Central Appalachian Spruce Restoration Initiative (CASRI)
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. EventsApril 20 &21, 2013 - Red Spruce Ecosystem Restoration, Canaan Valley National Wildlife RefugeJoin us as we continue our efforts to restore the red spruce ecosystem in the West Virginia Highlands. This tree planting event will take place on the Canaan Valley National Wildlife Refuge. We will meet at the Refuge Headquarters and Visitor Center at 10 am each day. Following an orientation about the red spruce ecosystem and our work to restore it we will car pool to the restoration site. Come dressed for the weather, wear sturdy shoes or boots and bring gloves. Lunch will be provided. Please RSVP! For more information contact Dave Saville at daves@labyrinth.net, or 304 692-8118. Future EventsWe've finished our tree planting for 2012. We will have numerous opportunities to get involved in tree planting events in April 2013. Particulars will be listed here as they become available. Red Spruce Mapping ProjectWe’re looking for volunteers who have access to GPS units and are willing to hike the backcountry and/or drive the back roads of West Virginia to help map the current extent of red spruce. This volunteer effort supports the Central Appalachian Spruce Restoration Initiative (CASRI), a multi-organizational partnership whose vision is to restore a functioning red spruce-northern hardwood forest ecosystem across portions of its former range on both public and private lands, with the scale, connectivity, maturity and other features that provide functional habitat to sustain and enhance the viability of the many species and natural communities dependent on this ecosystem. In order to restore red spruce communities, we need to know where our remnant red spruce stands currently exist on the landscape, and thus where the greatest opportunities for restoration and habitat connections are. For More InformationVisit the CASRI Website Contact Evan Burks |