“Coastal Fire History Revisited: mixed methods research to aid Extension’s Fire programming”
Faculty mentor/Supervisor:
Aaron Groth
Email Address:
Department Affiliation:
Extension
Project Location:
Extension, Remote
Project Description:
Through a mixed methods approach, employing archival, field, qualitative, and geospatial methods, this research project revisits Oregon’s Coastal Fire History, using pyrogeography and environmental history as theoretical frameworks. Sources of data to examine include General Land Office Survey data (BLM), publicly available GIS data (including vector and raster data (e.g., satellite images and aerial photos), local and state archives, ODF records, fire protection association records, mill/industry records, and historic newspapers. Archival research may be conducted in county historical societies, museums, libraries, State of Oregon Library (Salem), Oregon State University Libraries, and University of Oregon Libraries. Field techniques may include vegetation transects and dendrochronology. Qualitative Methods include key informant interviews and participatory mapping. To highlight landscape change, repeat photography will be undertaken once specific locations have been identified for repeat photography. Finally, analysis of existing datasets, including ODF Fire Stats, PRISM, and other sources of data may be undertaken.
Besides producing peer-reviewed journal articles, research outputs include an ArcGIS Story Map to publicly highlight Coastal Fire History. In addition, this research will serve to provide important historic context for updates to Community Wildfire Protection Plans (CWPPs)/Multi-Hazards Mitigation Plans.
Content developed will serve for Fire Program Curriculum Development, FNR/Fire Extension Programming, and potentially, a PACE Course. Finally, this research will serve to implement site specific programming for South Slough National Estuarine Research Reserve, Tillamook Forest Center, and Oregon State Parks.
Currently, USDA Pacific Northwest Research scientists are looking to expand dendrochronology work undertaken in the western Cascades as part of the Westside Fire Initiative to the Coast Range. We will look for opportunities to collaborate and learn more about dendrochronology work in the Coast Range.
Describe the type of work and tasks you anticipate the student will perform:
• Field and Lab work
• Analyze data.
• Write reports.
• Data entry.
• Meet regularly with supervisor to discuss work progress and results.
• Collect data (online, archival, field) and process data.
• Clean and perform maintenance of research equipment.
• Utilize equipment specific to the research being done for the job (e.g., computers, GIS software, digital cameras, etc.).
• Drive OSU Motor Pool, personal, and/or University or college owned vehicles as needed.
Hourly rate of pay:
$13.50/hr
What is the expected timeline of this project?:
x
Are special skills or knowledge required to work on this project?:
No
Will training be provided?:
No
How many hours per week do you anticipate a student to work?:
x
How many hours per week do you anticipate engaging in direct mentorship?:
x
Detail your mentorship plan:
I will meet with the student via phone, Zoom, and communicate regularly throughout the project. There will be opportunities to contribute and/or attend Extension programming. The student will be exposed to many professional and academic paths as well as resources. The student will understand the role of Extension within a Land Grant University and will be exposed to Forestry & Natural Resources Extension Faculty and Staff and Programs.