In 2021, the human-caused Jack Fire ignited on the Umpqua National Forest, burning and blackening thousands of acres of forest land. After the fire, U.S. Forest Service assessments determined that it burned so hot in many areas that natural forest regeneration would be unlikely without replanting by hand. That’s why the NFF is working to bring the forest back, in addition to capitalizing on a unique opportunity to revitalize native oak habitat.
Recovery will begin by planting a mix of native conifers and approximately 5,000 Oregon white oak seedlings. The selected conifers, such as ponderosa pine, have a high resistance to fire and drought, making them suitable in a hotter, drier future. Like the conifers, oaks also have a high resistance to fire, along with important local cultural ties and habitat benefits.
Oak seedlings at U.S. Forest Service Dorena Genetic Research Center to be planted on the Jack Fire oak orchard project.
Before European settlement, the Umpqua Basin was covered in upland prairies, with large oak trees and patches of scattered oak woodlands. This oak savanna ecosystem was carefully maintained by Indigenous Peoples through regular low-intensity fires and provided abundant resources to support human life. It is the most biodiverse terrestrial ecosystem in the region and is used by more than 200 species of wildlife, including around 7 federally listed, such as the streaked horned lark and island marble butterfly. Off land, the oak ecosystem supports healthy watershed function, creating aquatic havens for native fish, such as salmon and steelhead.
Streaked horned lark (Photo: USFWS, David Leondard)
In recent years, Oregon’s oak habitats have declined to less than 5-15% of their historic range. Such a drop - due to factors like the loss of low-intensity fires, habitat fragmentation, and more frequent severe fires like the Jack Fire – has alarmed scientists concerned about conserving white oak diversity for future restoration.
To support white oak diversity and conservation, some of the oak seedlings that we plant on the burn scar will establish an oak acorn orchard to supply seed for future reforestation on Umpqua National Forest. Selected seedlings are sourced from acorns throughout the Oregon white oak range and grown at a local Forest Service genetics research center, where scientists study the genetic diversity of white oak. Once established, the orchard will serve as a gene conservation site, protecting genetic diversity for the future of this important species.
Oak seedlings at Dorena
Bringing oaks back to Oregon forests, while supporting fire recovery, makes this project a unique opportunity for the NFF's Reforestation Program.
Support this project, and others like it, by donating to our Holistic Reforestation Fund!
(Thumbnail photo: Chris Light)
