By 1971, CORA planted some 68 million tree seedlings including "Pinus radiata", which has a remarkable ability to flourish under poor conditions. This hillside near Lumaco is part of the reforestation project. - - Erosion of agricultural land.. Chile is a narrow ribbon-like country averaging only 100 miles in width, but extending about 2,650 miles in length. This gives rise to many contrasts of climate and topography. In the extreme south it rains practically every day of the year, while barren deserts are found in the north. Central Chile extends roughly from near Coquimbo to the Bi?Bi?river near the latitude of Concepci?. This is the most agriculturally fertile part of Chile and it is here that about 73% of the total population live. Even here, however, bad agricultural practices and lack of soil management in the past have led to erosion and sand-carrying winds which spread dunes over fertile land. The Government, through the forest department of the Corporation for Agrarian Reform (CORA) has planted millions of trees and legumes. The reforestation project is halting the advance of erosion and is assisting in sand dune fixation.