Report profiles Oregonians "Living with Fire"
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As Oregon experiences worsening fire seasons, including last year’s devastating Labor Day wildfires, Oregonians across the state are stepping up to mitigate the risk of fire to their homes, neighborhoods or forests, and forging partnerships to improve fire resiliency across the landscape, according to a newly released OFRI special report.
Through a series of profiles, Living with Fire tells the stories of Oregonians impacted by wildfire, including those who are working together with their neighbors to reduce the fire risk to their communities and managing their forestland to improve its resilience to fire. The report also offers practical tips for preparing a home for the risk of an approaching wildfire, as well as information about resources available to Oregon homeowners and landowners who want to mitigate the risk of fire to their properties.
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New publication focuses on forest amphibians |
The newest publication from the OFRI’s Wildlife in Managed Forests landowner education program introduces readers to the various kinds of amphibians found in Oregon’s forests, and the steps forest landowners and managers can take to provide better habitat for these species and protect them from threats such as climate change.
Wildlife in Managed Forests: Forest Amphibians provides a background and context for better understanding the role managed forests play in providing habitat for amphibians. Important concepts covered in the publication include microhabitats, riparian buffers and connectivity. It also provides landowners a summary of the current scientific research on how amphibians are affected by forest management, as well as voluntary management recommendations based on the findings of this research.
Through educational events and publications, OFRI’s Wildlife in Managed Forests program promotes science-based actions that forest landowners and managers can take to conserve, create and enhance wildlife habitat on timber-producing forests. The Wildlife in Managed Forests publication series includes booklets focused on forest habitat and an array of forest wildlife such as deer and elk, beaver, songbirds and fish. The educational booklets inform forest landowners, managers and others about managing for wildlife living in Oregon’s forests.
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Webinar explores economic impacts of Labor Day fires |
OFRI will host a half-day webinar on Nov. 16 highlighting the findings of an Institute-commissioned study examining the economic impacts of the 2020 Labor Day wildfires on Oregon’s forest-related businesses and industries.
The 104-page study, prepared for OFRI by Mason, Bruce & Girard and Forest Economic Advisors, was published this fall. It relies on extensive research, surveys and interviews to create the most comprehensive summary to date of the economic impacts of this megafire event, which burned approximately one million acres across western Oregon.
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Registration opens for natural resources education program |
The program, which OFRI offers in partnership with The Oregon Garden, uses learning stations and hands-on activities to teach fourth- through sixth-grade students about forests and natural resources. The topics covered in program lessons include plant and animal adaptation, forest food webs, healthy forests and wildlife habitat. The curriculum is aligned with the Next Generation Science Standards and the Oregon Forest Literacy Plan.
This field program lasts about four hours. The cost is $3 per student, but scholarships are available.
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Tree School Online is back for fall
Tree School Online, a webinar series for forest landowners hosted by Oregon State University Extension, OFRI and other members of the Partnership for Forestry Education, is back with a series of new sessions this fall. More information and registration for upcoming Tree School Online webinars is available here.
Raffle supports forest education
Eugene-based Forests Today & Forever is holding a raffle to support their forestry education programs for youth and adults. Raffle prizes include a chef’s package, wine basket, beer bundle and a two-night stay in Eugene’s Market District. Purchase tickets here. The prize drawing takes place Nov. 12.
It's time to renew state-issued log brands
The Oregon Department of Forestry is reminding timber operators that their state-registered log brands must be renewed between Oct. 18 and Dec. 31. Log brands − the identifying symbols welded onto the face of a hammer and struck into the ends of logs for identification − discourage log theft and aid in the return of lost logs. Under Oregon law, log brand registrations must be renewed every five years. Renewal forms will automatically be mailed to registered log brand owners on Oct. 18. Renewal forms were automatically mailed to registered log brand owners on Oct. 18.
Mass Timber Conference taking hybrid approach
Registration is now open for the 2022 International Mass Timber Conference, scheduled for April 12-14 at the Oregon Convention Center in Portland. Conference organizers plan to hold a hybrid in-person/virtual event, highlighting technological advances that allow for building bigger and taller structures with wood. Learn more and register for the conference here.
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Oregon Forest Resources Institute |
The Oregon Forest Resources Institute supports and enhances Oregon’s forest products industry
by advancing public understanding of forests, forest management and forest products.
A 13-member board of directors governs OFRI. It is funded by a portion of the forest products harvest tax.
Copyright © 2021, Oregon Forest Resources Institute. All Rights Reserved.
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