JNF in a digital planting campaign for forests that were recently destroyed in the huge fire • "The initial restoration will take about five years"
Photography:
Gil Eliyahu, Ginny
Tu B'Shvat in Petah Tikva, and the JNF are embarking on a large-scale operation subject to the corona restrictions, to restore the forests near the Galilee landscape that were destroyed in the huge fire that raged in the area two and a half months ago.
As you may recall, the huge fire resulted in the evacuation of thousands of residents from their homes and extensive property damage.
Many of them had to find alternative accommodation, after their homes burned down completely.
The fire consumed more than 4,600 acres of forest and natural woodland that included about 200,000 trees.
Now, just before the Feast of the Trees, the JNF is launching a digital planting operation to restore the forests. The operation that began this week will last until February 4. As part of the digital planting campaign, the general public can take an active part in restoring the burned forest and donate a tree at a reduced cost of only 18 shekels. The
KKL-JNF explains that the huge fire caused damage to forests estimated at millions of shekels, and that it will be decades before it is completely restored.
"The main species burned in the forest are the Jerusalem pine, the Brutia pine, the acorn pine, the common cypress, the cedar and the natural grove species," said Dr. Omri Boneh, director of the JNF's northern region.
Most of the forest burned was between 50 and 90 years old, so this is the length of time it will take to fully rehabilitate the forest, and return to its pre-fire condition.
"The initial restoration of the burned forest will take about five years, partly through the cultivation of natural renewal and partly by planting. Symbolic planting will take place this winter together with the Galilee Landscape Municipality at the seam line of the city with the forest, and will continue in the coming years as needed. It is a blessing, which allows every citizen in the State of Israel to take part in the restoration of the burned forest, "added Boneh.