Conservation Forestry

Oak Savannah Ecosystem Restoration in the Willamette Valley

Oregon

Background Summary:
Less than 1% of indigenous oak savannah habitat remains in the Willamette Valley. Fire suppression has led to overstocked, poorer quality closed-canopy oak woodlands and conifer/hardwood forests, resulting in a decline in many wildlife species dependent on these ecosystems, such as migratory songbirds and Western Grey squirrels. With the majority of oak habitat held by private owners, successful conservation efforts must engage these landowners. While white oak is valued for wine barrels and flooring, a purely economic argument for its management is not strong. However, an outreach and cost-share effort that highlights the wildlife and aesthetic benefits along with long-term economic sustainability will succeed.

Project Partners:
The Natural Resources Conservation Service awarded the Forests for Watersheds and Wildlife program (predecessor program to Center for Conservation Solutions) a $113,000 Conservation Innovation Grant to promote oak savannah management on family forestlands in Oregon’s Willamette Valley. Partners involved with this project include the American Bird Conservancy, Oregon Department of Forestry, Oregon Department of Fisheries and Wildlife, Oregon State University Extension Service, Defenders of Wildife, and The Nature Conservancy.

Conservation Forestry in Action:
This project aims to increase adoption of oak ecosystem management practices by private landowners through cost-share assistance and landowner education. It has two components:

Outreach and education to family forest owners that will engage them in oak ecosystem management

Cost-share assistance to family forest owners who are interested in oak habitat restoration.

Our Strategy:

Technical and Cost-share Assistance
The conservation forestry practices promoted through this initiative will provide critical wildlife habitat as well as wood products. To encourage the implementation of recommended oak management practices, such as thinning of overstocked oak stands, invasive species removal, and planting of oak seedlings, $57,000 in cost-share assistance will be made available to family forest owners for habitat restoration.

Download an application for cost-share assistance and information on cost-share rates. The deadline for submitting an application is June 18th, 2007.

Click here for photos of oak woodlands and savannas.

Also, there are a variety of other cost-share programs that may help landowners with some of the costs associated with restoring and conserving wildlife habitat. These programs are designed to provide financial incentives for landowners willing to participate voluntarily in conservation efforts. The process of seeking cost-share funds can be complex, but for more information and help in getting started select Oregon state from our drop down menu.

Outreach and Education Activities
1. Demonstration Field Days for Landowners
Two field days will showcase ongoing management efforts by landowners and to highlight developing markets for oak wood.

Yamhill, Oregon - May 2007 Read more.

Salem, Oregon- September 2007 Read more.

2. Forest Conservation Education Trail
To provide a long-term educational opportunity for neighboring landowners and resource professionals, a permanent interpretive trail on oak ecosystem management will be installed at a landowner property in the fall of 2007.

3. Oak Savannah Conservation Awareness Sign

Family forest owners who incorporate recommended management practices can receive a 12" x 18" aluminum sign to post on their property. Awareness signs provide public recognition of those landowners who are taking efforts to conserve and create wildlife habitat. Download an online conservation forestry sign application form.