Volunteers Fight to Save Santa Rosa Island’s Rare Forest Before Winter Storms

SANTA ROSA ISLAND, Calif. (KEYT) — Volunteers are racing to protect one of the world’s rarest pine forests after a massive wildfire left thousands of trees vulnerable to further damage.

The Santa Rosa Island Fire burned more than 18,000 acres earlier this year, scorching hillsides and threatening the island’s unique Torrey pine population.

Early assessments indicate that as many as 80 percent of the island’s Torrey pines could die from the fire’s effects.

Now, another threat is approaching.

Potentially heavy El Niño rains could wash away exposed soil, creating additional challenges for a landscape already struggling to recover.

Volunteers and conservation crews are working to stabilize damaged hillsides and protect vulnerable areas before winter storms arrive.

The restoration effort is especially important because Santa Rosa Island is home to one of only two naturally occurring Torrey pine populations in the world.

Beyond protecting the remaining trees, the work could help preserve conditions needed for future growth.

Although the full extent of the damage is still being evaluated, the effort offers hope for a forest facing a long and uncertain recovery.

News Channel reporter Patricia Martellotti traveled to Santa Rosa Island to document the wildfire damage and the people working to protect this rare ecosystem.

Her special report airs October 29th.