Presenter(s): Marinn Longenecker
Co Presenter(s): Kristi Thompson, Nick Pierson, Sakina Shahid, Jane Yeoman, Seth Arbogast, David Josi, Sarah Cudworth, Marie Moore, Marina Harrington
Faculty Mentor(s): Peg Boulay & Sara Worl
Oral Session 2 CLN
Prior to European colonization, Oregon white oak (Quercus garryana) savannas and woodlands were a prominent ecosystem across the Pacific Northwest (Devine and Harrington 2013). Presently, their area is reduced by 97% in the Willamette Valley (Pritchard et al. 2017) as a result of reduced fire frequency, introduced species, and mismanagement (Devine and Harrington 2013). Land managers are increasingly adopting active management for oak savanna restoration in order to support biodiversity. Primary actions include the removal of invasives, underbrush, and competing conifers. Establishing baseline data on forest composition and health is required for informed and adaptive management decisions. At Thurston Hills Natural Area (THNA), a team of students from University of Oregon’s Environmental Leadership Program conducted a survey of Oregon white oaks to establish a baseline for use in restoration management decisions by Willamalane Park and Recreation District. Data was collected on the location, health, and threats to mature oak trees within the study area. Additionally, qualitative observations about wildlife, natural features, and neighboring vegetation were recorded to help evaluate recreational opportunities. This data was used to create detailed maps of THNA forests, and compile a detailed database of oak trees. As a comprehensive baseline, these deliverables provide the means for developing, implementing, and evaluating effectiveness of restoration management strategies.