Evaluating Wildfire Impacts on Aquatic Biodiversity Across Forest Management Techniques in Oregon’s Cascade Region

The 2020 Labor Day Fires resulted in varying fire severities and diverse impacts on riparian ecosystems. The Sustainable Forestry Initiative and the National Council for Air and Stream Improvement funded a study that utilized environmental DNA (eDNA) to examine aquatic biodiversity across 30 sites affected by the 2020 wildfires. During our field tour, we will explore three of these sites, demonstrating differences in fire impact, management responses, and the resilience of aquatic ecosystems and riparian vegetation through eDNA analysis and field observations.

Speakers will include:
Brooke Penaluna with U.S. Forest Service
Laura Six with Weyerhaeuser
Ashley Coble with the National Council for Air and Stream Improvement
Jake Verschuyl with the National Council for Air and Stream Improvement

Costs: Participation is free, thanks to funding provided by OFRI and our project partners

Continuing Education: Approved for 3 Cat. 1 Society of American Forester credits

Accessibility: Forested location with uneven terrain

Safety Requirements: Please dress appropriately for our forestry field tour by wearing long pants and closed-toe shoes. For your safety, high-visibility vests and hardhats will be provided and are mandatory.

Liability Waiver: Kindly print and sign the waiver form provided on the KnowYourForest.org/events page and bring it with you on the day of the event.

Learn more about the tour and register here.