There is a multi-agency group that has been working on guidance for the forestry community in Washington County to address climate change. The project is called Climate Smarter Forestry in Washington County and their idea is to offer forest owners and forestry professionals information on the anticipated changes and what the implications of those changes might be on your forest regardless of where it is in terms of development.

The effort has brought together forestry professionals from ODF, Tualatin Soil and Water Conservation District, Oregon State University Extension Service, private forestry consulting firms and landowners from Washington County Small Woodlands Association.

Our speaker will be Mike Cafferata, Forest Grove District Forester for the Oregon Department of Forestry (ODF). The presentation will include discussion of the development of the project, the intended audience and format of the deliverables and their planned timeline for completion and will also give a preview of key messages from the work. Look forward to seeing you there.

The Wildfire Ready 2025 Event Series is a free wildfire preparedness event series for residents of Washington County. 

Wildfires are a growing risk in Washington County, and it’s essential for residents to work together to prepare. The series provides resources, strategies, and community connections to help you be ready for wildfire season. 

Wildfire Ready! Part 3 will take place April 26 from 9:00 - noon at Chehalem Ridge Nature Park, 38263 SW Dixon Mill Rd, Gaston. The tour will explore the connection between forest health and wildfire preparedness. This FREE guided tour is designed for landowners and forest managers interested in practical strategies for reducing wildfire risks. A light breakfast will be provided.

The tour includes:

• A 1.5-mile hike on an easy/moderate trail with demonstrations of pruning, weed management, and creating defensible space.
• Guidance on replacing weeds with fire-resilient vegetation.
• Discussions on slash management, fuel breaks, and creating good access for firefighters.

This event is for landowners with forested properties but is open to anyone eager to learn more about improving fire resilience. 

The event is free, but you must register: https://tualatinswcd.org/event/wildfire-ready-part-2-home-hardening-workshop/or google tualatinswcd.org/ wildfire ready. 

Meeting Place:

Main Visitors Building in Multipurpose Room, Parking in Front of Building

Agenda:

• 5-6pm arrival. Come early if you want to walk around Jackson Bottom Wetland
• 6-7pm Potluck Meal
• 6:45-7:30pm Speaker and Presentation 

What to bring: 

This will be an old –fashioned Potluck with no main dish provided. Always a lot of choices!

WCSWA will furnish plates, cups, eating utensils, napkins, lemonade, water, and coffee. Hillsboro Parks has a no-alcohol policy.

Presentation: Tom DeLuca, Dean of the Oregon State University College of Forestry. Tom is a forest soil scientist whose long research career includes more than a decade in Sweden and the United Kingdom. He holds a Ph.D. in soil science from Iowa State University and was the University of Montana’s forestry dean for three years.

Tom's talk will be titled “Roots to Robotics: Past, present and future of Forestry at OSU.” He will discuss some history, current information, and future activities of the College. Also attending will be Zak Hansen, Senior Director of Development for the College of Forestry, and Melanie Ellis-Roach, Assistant Director of Development, College of Forestry.

The OSU College of Forestry is a world class center of teaching, learning and research. It offers graduate and undergraduate programs in sustaining ecosystems, managing forests and manufacturing wood products; conducts basic and applied research on the nature and use of forests; and operates more than 15,000 acres of college forests.

About Jackson Bottom:

Located minutes south of downtown Hillsboro, Jackson Bottom Wetlands Preserve’s 635 acres are a quiet sanctuary for both people and wildlife. Over 211 species of birds are sighted annually at Jackson Bottom, including bald eagles, great blue herons, and thousands of tundra swans and northern pintails, making Jackson Bottom a haven for bird watchers. The Preserve is home to deer, otters, beavers, and thousands of other species. 

Looking forward to a good time with friends, food, and a discussion about what’s happening at the Oregon State University College of Forestry.

Contact Tony Spiering (503) 680-8112 for questions.