Missoula, MT—The National Forest Foundation (NFF) is proud to announce a $100,000 award from OneMain Financial to support two large-scale reforestation projects; one on the Shasta-Trinity National Forest in California and one on the Chippewa National Forest in Minnesota. Both reforestation projects will have significant benefits to our National Forests and the American people.

On the Shasta Trinity National Forest, the NFF is working with local U.S. Forest Service units to restore areas of the forest that were damaged by two wildfires. In 2007, the Wallow Fire burned more than a thousand acres of the Shasta-Trinity National Forest. Several years later, in 2012, the Stafford Fire burned another 4,000 acres of the forest. With generous support from OneMain Financial, the NFF is working closely with the Forest Service to restore this forest. This project will plant approximately 66,000 native ponderosa pine, Douglas fir and sugar pine seedlings in high-priority areas of the forest. This project will help restore watersheds, reduce post-fire sedimentation and improve recreational opportunities for local communities.

On Minnesota’s Chippewa National Forest, OneMain Financial and the NFF are restoring a forest that suffered from a different type of disturbance. In 2012, the Chippewa – situated in the headwaters of the Mississippi River – was impacted by a severe windstorm that damaged thousands of acres of forest. By planting a diverse mix of more than 100,000 native seedlings, this project will help restore a forest that offers outstanding wildlife habitat, including the largest breeding population of bald eagles in the lower 48 states.

OneMain Financial Chief Operating Officer John Schachtel said, “We are proud to join the National Forest Foundation in its goal of conserving and restoring our National Forests. As a company, and as individuals, we actively support our customers and our communities. These two projects are critically important to our treasured public lands and we are delighted to expand our support of initiatives that benefit the environment and promote a sustainable future.”

“OneMain Financial’s commitment to support these important reforestation projects will have significant benefits to wildlife, watersheds and local communities. We are proud to partner with OneMain Financial and admire their commitment to improving the world through responsible business practices,” said Bill Possiel, president of the NFF.

The NFF is a Congressionally-chartered, nonprofit organization dedicated to restoration and community engagement on the 193-million-acre National Forest System. OneMain Financial’s support of the NFF’s Trees for US program helps support reforestation of high priority areas of the National Forest System. The Trees for US program restores our nation’s watersheds and enhances our public lands for generations to come.

About OneMain Financial

OneMain Financial is based in Baltimore and provides personal loans and one-on-one, local service from more than 1,100 branches nationwide. Since 1912, OneMain Financial has worked with customers to find the loan solutions that best fit their needs and budget. The company and its employees are proud to support the communities where they live and work. Additional information may be found at www.OneMainFinancial.com