MOAB, Utah — Blake Votilla …was in the Manti-La Sal National Forest, which covers stretches of Utah and Colorado and is known for its Engelmann spruce trees, as part of a federal program that hires contractors to climb the trees and collect their cones. The seeds from the cones are sent around the country and ultimately get planted to regrow forests that have been decimated by wildfire or deforestation. These efforts have become more urgent at a time when the rate and intensity of forest fires have increased and the country is attempting to meet ambitious climate goals. …During harvest season, which typically lasts from July to October, the pickers set up camp on National Forest land, where they can stay for free while they work. …seasonal employees are paid per bushel, typically averaging around $500 a day. …The work can be full of risks and requires pickers to move slowly. [To read the full story, a New York Times subscription is required]