In the world of forest and watershed management, where traditions run deep, innovation is often met with skepticism. Mike Siaperas, founder and CEO of 106 Reforestation knows this resistance firsthand.
When Siaperas started the company, he aimed to solve a problem he had seen too often: existing techniques, though well-established, were failing to address the scale and urgency of modern environmental challenges to high elevation forests in the U.S.
“The way we’ve been doing things just isn’t fast enough,” Siaperas explains. “We need to treat more acres, with fewer resources, and we need to do it now.”
This belief became the backbone of 106 Reforestation’s approach—a commitment to pace, scale, and precision in restoring forests and watersheds. Over time, that commitment has evolved into a company that is redefining what’s possible in this critical field.
Building a New Approach
From the beginning, Siaperas’s approach was different. Rather than following the standard playbook (which usually involves fire at some point in the process), he asked a bold question: How can we achieve better results using fewer tools and less manpower? His answer lay in technology. The company developed patented software and specialized equipment that allows for swift hyper-targeted treatments, ensuring every action taken on the ground serves a clear purpose.
This technology is a mechanical process using specialized machines that duplicate the mosaic patterns of forest and meadow that are created with natural fire, with a recovery time that has shown to be much faster. Additionally, it enables managers to track operations in real time, whether they’re in the middle of a forest or sitting in an office miles away. It’s a level of precision and transparency that’s rare in this field.
“We can show exactly what’s happening as it happens,” Siaperas says. “That’s a game-changer.”
The results speak for themselves. By thinning forests strategically and replacing aging, less efficient trees with younger, more productive ones, 106 Reforestation has demonstrated they can dramatically improve water availability, reduce wildfire risk; plus sequester atmospheric carbon and methane instead of accelerating it. The company’s methods replicate the natural benefits of a forest fire—clearing out dead wood and promoting new growth—without the using fire. This delicate balance between innovation and respect for nature is a hallmark of its work.
Even the company’s name, 106 Reforestation, pays homage to its deep commitment to forestry, inspired by the 106 acres of Pando, the Trembling Giant, one of the world’s oldest and largest living organisms. This awe-inspiring grove of quaking aspens in the Fish Lake National Forest symbolizes the company’s dedication to sustainable land management and ecological restoration, mirroring Pando’s sprawling root system that connects and nurtures the land across generations.
“For us, it’s not just about managing the land; it’s about healing it, protecting it, and ensuring its vitality for the future,” says Siaperas. “Stopping wildfires, preventing erosion, and enhancing the watershed go beyond merely meeting challenges; they are matters of passion and purpose.”
Improving Forest Health and Ecosystem Resilience
106 Reforestation’s approach targets every avenue of watershed management, focusing on the overall health of the forest ecosystem. Its services begin with forest treatments designed to enhance water flow, increase vegetation quality, and reduce fire hazards. By thinning overgrown forested areas and managing tree density, 106 Reforestation helps restore the natural water cycle.
For example, removing trees that consume large volumes of water free up substantial amounts, which replenish aquifers and improve stream flows. It also removes root balls from the ground as they continue to absorb water for long periods of time. This process further improves groundwater replenishment. Siaperas says, “It’s ‘common sense’ forest management, really.” He likens it to aerating the forest in the same way you aerate your lawn. The disturbance allows water to enter the ground and be absorbed instead of flow across it.
The ecological impact of 106 Reforestation’s initiatives extends far beyond improved water availability, providing tangible benefits like revitalizing entire ecosystems, supporting healthier vegetation, and creating better feeding grounds for wildlife. In regions treated by the company, these effects have been observed firsthand, especially at Siaperas’ own Utah ranch, where deer and elk are setting records for their size and Orphan ending.
Leveraging Technology for Precision Management
Successes like 106 Reforestation’s are not built in a day. They come from years of experience, combining traditional ecological knowledge with cutting-edge technology to ensure precision in every step.
For us, it’s not just about managing the land; it’s about healing it, protecting it, and ensuring its vitality for the future
The company is also pioneering cutting-edge carbon sequestration technology in its watershed management efforts. 106 Reforestation has developed a mobile system that converts removed biomass into biochar on site without releasing additional CO2 into the atmosphere. The process prevents carbon emissions and provides a byproduct that can be sold for use in agriculture and soil enhancement.
106 Reforestation goes even further by helping generate additional income through financial mechanisms like carbon credits, transforming what was once a cost-heavy process into a potential income stream. Carbon credits are beneficial for public agencies and private landowners, who can leverage them to fund additional restoration efforts. 106 Reforestation’s dual focus on environmental health and economic viability offers clients a practical model for sustainable forest management.
“Even if the clients don’t have a big enough budget, we can complement it with our CO2 sequestering and biochar products to make the process much more budget-friendly,” says Siaperas.
Tailored Solutions for a Diverse Clientele
Beyond meeting immediate requirements, 106 Reforestation is also committed to continuous client engagement. From the initial assessment phase to the completion of restoration activities, it maintains a collaborative approach, ensuring that clients are informed and involved throughout the process. Ongoing communication helps build trust and enables adjustments to be made as needed, maximizing the project’s impact. The company’s strong focus on transparency and education empowers clients and equips them with the knowledge to make informed decisions about land management long after the project has ended.
Siaperas’s visionary leadership continues to drive the 106 Reforestation engine. The wisdom he has gained in forest management stems from managing the Range Valley Ranch, which he bought and transformed into rejuvenated forest land from an overgrown conifer patch. Siaperas’ commitment expanded into hosting veteran retreats, founding a nonprofit for forestry career opportunities for veterans. This effort will help them with their own reforestation start ups. 106 is also providing guidance and assistance to private landowners, embodying his vision of revitalizing western high-altitude landscapes and inspiring others to join his cause.
Today, Mike’s company has the technology and tools to shape the future of forest and watershed management. Like the ancient Pando grove that inspired its name, 106 Reforestation works to strengthen the unseen connections that sustain life, ensuring that the legacy of these landscapes endures for generations to come.
A Vision for the Future
Looking ahead, Siaperas is optimistic about what 106 Reforestation can achieve. Over the next two years, the company plans to deepen its international presence, expand its disaster recovery efforts, and continue innovating in forest and watershed management. A recent project in Colorado, where 4,000 acres of burned pine trees are releasing CO2 back into the atmosphere, is a prime example of the challenges they hope to tackle.
“If we can clean up those areas, prevent more CO2 emissions, and improve water flow, it’s a win for everyone,” he says.
At its heart, 106 Reforestation is driven by a simple but ambitious goal: to create healthy and resilient ecosystems. With this unconventional approach, 106 is changing how we envision forest management and watershed development.
You can learn about the process at 106reforest.com
