News
FEATURES
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.”
Extension uses Oregon State forests as hands-on classrooms
The Matteson Demonstration Forest is one of 10 forests owned by OSU and managed by the College of Forestry as laboratories for learning, research and public engagement, offering ways to balance conservation, business, recreation and education. Since the Matteson Family donated the land to Oregon State in 2013, the College of Forestry has used it to demonstrate management techniques such as thinning, small harvests and experiments in timing cash flow from timber. The forest’s scale is like many privately owned parcels, making it relatable for participants.
RESEARCH
Reading the rings: The 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
Parks and Protected Areas of Patagonia, Chile: Faculty-Led Program Info Session
This is your chance to learn all about the spring break trip to Chile, from the stunning landscapes you'll explore to the unique conservation topics you'll study.
PFSC 316
Firs for Food Security: Annual Rootstock Fundraiser
Brighten up the holidays and bid on one of 12 fully decorated trees. Join us for a festive decorated tree auction and lighting, hot cocoa, cookie decorating and more!
George W. Peavy Forest Science Center
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
COMMUNITY UPDATES
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!
Honoring Those Who Serve
This sculpture is a memorial to the courage, sacrifice and unity of the United States Armed Forces and its veterans
Welcome visiting scholar Rosemarie Ankre
Rosemarie Ankre is a senior lecturer in human geography at Mid Sweden University
COF IN THE NEWS
Fire Hazard
Portland Business Journal
Oct. 23, 2025
Haunted by a Blank Course: Tales from a First-Time Developer
Inspire blog
Oct. 20, 2025
A Tiny Seabird Faces Growing Threats in the Forest
NY Times
Sept 23, 2025
AI listens for endangered owls in Oregon forests
Axios
Oct. 1, 2025
PUBLICATIONS
Image
Image
