Reforestation in Oregon

Oregon’s forests are diverse, ranging from coastal temperate rainforests in the west to dry pine forests in the east. Approximately 60 percent of Oregon’s forests are publicly owned, with the remainder in private or Tribal ownership. Reforestation activities vary considerably among ownerships and forest types. In western Oregon, most reforestation is accomplished by industrial forest landowners planting nursery-grown seedling following regeneration harvest. Douglas-fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii (Mirb.) Franco) is by far the most commonly planted species. Reforestation has declined on Federal lands in Oregon since the mid-1990s following adoption of the Northwest Forest Plan and the resulting reduction in regeneration harvests. Reforestation needs are increasing, however, on Federal forest lands in the State due to the recent increase in large, stand-replacing wildfires. In eastern Oregon, landowners primarily rely on natural regeneration and interplanting for reforestation. Over the past decade, 40 to 80 million seedlings have been planted annually in Oregon, most of which are conifer species. Ponderosa pine (Pinus ponderosa Lawson & C. Lawson) is the most commonly planted species. Current reforestation challenges include increased seedling demand following wildfire, nursery capacity, and increases in temperature and drought that make tree establishment more difficult, especially on harsh sites. Future reforestation practices require addressing the challenges of adapting species, seed source, and stock type selection in a warming climate.

Download this file:

Download this file

Details

Author(s): Alicia Christiansen, Jacob D. Putney, Max Bennett, Glenn Ahrens

Publication: Tree Planters' Notes - Volume 66, Number 2 (2023)

Volume: 66

Number: 2