In direct-seeding trials on the Challenge Experimental Forest, Yuba County, California, 27 combinations of seeding rates, aspect, and site treatment were tested. The best results were obtained on northerly aspects on unburned mechanically disturbed seedbeds with a high proportion of exposed mineral soil when seed application rates were high. Sowing at least 1 pound of seed per acre (1.12 kg per ha) consistently resulted in 400 or more seedlings per acre (988 seedlings per ha). Baiting for rodent control and attempted seed covering by "dragging" did not improve results. If regeneration requirements will be met by 400 seedlings per acre, these procedures for operational testing are suggested: (1) prepare 100 percent of the site by piling and burning slash and residual vegetation; (2) use seed that has had the standard endrin-arasanaluminum- dust pest repellent treatment, or equivalent; and (3) apply at least 1.5 pounds of seed (10,000 to 12,000 viable seed) per acre (1.7 kg, or 24,710 to 29,650 seed, per ha)