Presenter(s): Jordan Barton—Biology
Co-Presenter(s): Madeline Schmidt, Alexander Fitzgerald, Mikey Brooks, Bryce Izlar, Henry Tannler
Faculty Mentor(s): Peg Boulay, Alex Renirie
Session 4: Environmental Leaders Program
As the city of Eugene’s oldest park, Hendricks Park’s 60-acre Douglas-Fir forest is a beloved cornerstone of the community . Hendricks Forest has already begun to experience significant ecological impacts, such as drought, severe winter storms, and bark beetle infestations due to climate change . However, the full effects of shifting weather patterns and new climates on some particular species of Hendricks Forest are poorly understood . Without this information, the City of Eugene cannot formulate an effective management plan . Our research will examine the question: What are the predicted impacts of climate change on the ecosystem and how should Hendricks Forest be managed to maintain a resilient forest? These mitigation recommendations will build upon the 2000 Hendricks Park Forest Management Plan, which is set to be updated in one–two years . This research is critical because the 2000 plan does not yet incorporate challenges posed by climate change . Our climate change-integrated conservation strategies will seek to address the following concerns: forest risks and adaptations; wildlife habitat and rare species; revegetation strategies and constraints; and public involvement and outreach . We will present our preliminary findings in the form of management recommendations ranging from a no-action alternative to drastically altering the composition of the forest . This report intends to combine current scientific recommendations, land management techniques, and public interaction to help the City of Eugene sustain one of its most historically and culturally significant parks .