Arbor Day Foundation and Cabela's Outdoor Fund to Replant on Forests Devastated by Disaster

Lincoln, Neb. [Aug. 23, 2016] -- The Arbor Day Foundation and Cabela's Outdoor Fund have partnered together to replant in forests devastated by natural disaster. The reforestation efforts, which include the planting of 200,000 trees, are critical to preserving wildlife habitat.

Record wildfire seasons in recent years have destroyed millions of trees in forests around the country. Many areas burned so severely that natural regeneration is not possible, making the need to replant necessary. Insect infestations, disease and weather events also destroy forests.

The trees will be planted over the course of four years, with 50,000 trees planted every year. This year's forests benefiting from the replanting efforts include Choccolocco State Forest in Alabama, Nebraska National Forest, Malheur National Forest in Oregon, and Bayfield County Forest in Wisconsin.

It is imperative that these forests are replanted within a reasonable time after a fire, insect infestation, disease or weather event takes its toll. If there is too much delay, invasive species of trees and brush that are fire-prone could take over, wildlife will not have critical habitat, and critical watershed areas will no longer be able to provide clean water.

"Partnering with the Arbor Day Foundation on these reforestation efforts helps to further the mission of the Cabela's Outdoor Fund by ensuring our customers have places to enjoy the outdoor activities they love, while also protecting the natural habitat," said Scott Wanetka, Cabela's Outdoor Fund vice president.

The results of the replanting efforts will have a lasting impact to the environment. For example, the new trees planted in Malheur National Forest will remove more than 6,700 tons of carbon dioxide from the air, 243 tons of air pollutants and absorb more than 329 million gallons of rainfall. Additionally, it will provide critical habitat and cover for big game.

"We're grateful to Cabela's Outdoor Fund for becoming a steward of our nation's forests," said Dan Lambe, Arbor Day Foundation president. "Our forests are part of the long and important legacy of the people and the land of our country. Thanks to Cabela's Outdoor Fund long-term commitment, thousands of trees will be planted to help clean the air, protect water resources, and restore habitat and beauty to forests that have suffered devastation."

This year the Arbor Day Foundation is celebrating the 60-millionth tree planting in national and state forests as part of the Replanting our Forests program. The milestone tree planting is possible because of partnerships like Cabela's Outdoor Fund.

About the Arbor Day Foundation
Founded in 1972, the Arbor Day Foundation has grown to become the largest nonprofit membership organization dedicated to planting trees, with more than one million members, supporters, and valued partners. During the last 44 years, more than 250 million Arbor Day Foundation trees have been planted in neighborhoods, communities, cities and forests throughout the world.

About the Cabela's Outdoor Fund
Cabela's Outdoor Fund (COF) is a non-profit organization dedicated to efforts that promote and protect hunting, shooting sports, trapping, fishing, camping and conservation. This fund is possible through donations from generous Cabela's customers who choose to "round up" their purchases to the nearest dollar at Cabela's stores. The Cabela's Outdoor Fund contributes to other like-minded organizations in communities across the country working to make the great outdoors even better.

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