News
FEATURES
Oregon maintains top Christmas tree producer title by adapting
It sounds like the setup for a holiday romantic comedy – Priya Rajarapu works as a Christmas tree expert for Oregon State University’s Extension Service, helping Oregon’s 300-plus Christmas tree growers produce a healthy crop each holiday season so that the state can export millions of perfect trees across the world.
But this job is more science than sentiment. In her Extension role and as an assistant professor in the College of Forestry, Rajarapu, who earned her doctorate in entomology, is studying how to keep Oregon’s holiday industry thriving as the climate changes.
Wildfire risk making timberland less valuable, long harvest rotations less feasible
Rising wildfire risk in the Pacific Northwest combined with notoriously volatile timber pricing may lower forestland values by as much as 50% and persuade plantation owners to harvest trees much earlier than planned, a new analysis of Douglas-fir forests shows.
“Basically, under high wildfire risk that rises with stand age, every year you wait to harvest you’re rolling the dice,” said Mindy Crandall, an associate professor in the OSU College of Forestry. Earlier harvesting reduces both long-term timber revenue and carbon storage potential, as well as impacting wood quality, adds study co-author Andres Susaeta.
Study paints detailed picture of forest canopy damage caused by ‘heat dome’
A satellite imagery analysis shows that the 2021 “heat dome” scorched almost 5% of the forested area in western Oregon and western Washington, turning foliage in canopies from a healthy green to red or orange, sometimes within a matter of hours. “The extent of foliar mortality shown in this study, particularly in iconic, old-growth forests, suggests that longer-lasting or hotter heat waves in the future could lead to even more widespread impacts on invaluable Pacific Northwest forests,” said OSU College of Forestry doctoral graduate Adam Sibley.
Climate report: Earth on dangerous path but rapid action can avert the worst outcomes
2024 was the hottest year on record and likely the hottest in at least 125,000 years, according to an annual report issued by an international coalition led by Oregon State University scientists. “Without effective strategies, we will rapidly encounter escalating risks that threaten to overwhelm systems of peace, governance, and public and ecosystem health,” said co-lead author William Ripple. “In short, we’ll be on the fast track to climate-driven chaos, a dangerous trajectory for humanity.”
RESEARCH
Reading the rings: The College of Forestry Tree Ring Lab connects Oregon’s past, present and future
In a quiet corner of the OSU College of Forestry, a growing team of researchers is using the past to inform the future. The Tree Ring Lab, one of the college’s fastest-growing research spaces, studies forest disturbance, climate and succession — using the annual records stored in trees themselves.
STUDENT EXPERIENCE
Student Spotlight: Whitney Harrington finds her path in natural resources and sustainability
After spending 20 years working seasonal jobs in National Parks across the country – while also balancing roles in the restaurant industry – Whitney Harrington was inspired to pursue a career in natural resources. That journey led her to OSU’s Ecampus, where she’s now double majoring in natural resources and sustainability.
FORESTRY & NATURAL RESOURCES EXTENSION
EVENTS
A Winter Solstice Celebration
The William Ferrell Forest Discovery Program presents this solstice celebration, which includes guided walks, nature crafts, hot cider, and more!
Forestry Club Cabin at Peavy Arboretum
2026 College of Forestry Art Show: Evergreen
Join us for the College of Forestry’s annual art show, featuring original works by COF students and employees exploring this year's theme — Evergreen — through a range of media and perspectives.
Richardson Hall, The Grove Gallery (2nd floor knuckle)
COMMUNITY UPDATES
Welcome visiting scholar Kuang-Tsung Chang
Kuang-Tsung Chang is a professor at the Department of Soil and Water Conservation, National Chung Hsing University, Taiwan
Alliance of Natural Resource Outreach and Service Program recognizes the Oregon Naturalist Program
The Oregon Naturalist Program received the Outstanding Team award
Firs for Food Security brings holiday cheer and big community impact
Firs for Food Security is back, and this year’s celebration is merrier than ever!
COF IN THE NEWS
A 200-year experiment: If a tree falls in a forest, does it really die?
Lookout Eugene-Springfield
Nov. 4, 2025
Fire Hazard
Portland Business Journal
Oct. 23, 2025
Haunted by a Blank Course: Tales from a First-Time Developer
Inspire blog
Oct. 20, 2025
PUBLICATIONS
Image
Image
