Exploring How Oregon Forests Could Dampen Seismic Waves
The Cascadia Region Earthquake Science Center is measuring whether certain types of forests can act as natural shock absorbers during earthquakes. Following the last Cascadia earthquake, which triggered few landslides, researchers are asking if forest structure plays a role in dampening seismic waves. Professor Ben Leshchinsky, the Richardson Chair in Forest Engineering, Resources and Management, is working with his team to test this hypothesis by installing SmartSolo 3C seismic sensors, which are all-in-one devices that record ground motions, in the McDonald-Dunn Research Forest. The findings of this study could provide insights into how forests and landscapes interact during major seismic events and shed light on strategies to enhance landscape resilience.
Renewable Diesel From Forest Biomass
The OSU Clean Fuels Project, led by Kevin Lyons, the Wes Lematta Professor of Forestry Engineering, is exploring how forest biomass residues can be used to produce renewable diesel for internal combustion. This project analyzes how factors such as moisture content, particle size and tree species affect the quality of fuel produced through pyrolysis. It will also measure the environmental impact of these fuels on air quality, water resources and wildfire risks in Oregon. Findings aim to provide data that will inform policy and support cleaner fuel production with a focus on reducing carbon emissions.
SSMART Forestry: Sustainable, Safe, Machine-human Harmonized, Resilient and Technology-driven
The SSMART Forestry Lab, led by Woodam Chung, Stewart Professor of Forest Operations, is testing and identifying robotic exoskeletons that can be used in certain forestry tasks, such as tree felling and planting. Exoskeletons are proven to enhance worker strength, increase productivity and reduce risk of injury. This research is part of a broader effort to develop innovative technological solutions to transform the forestry industry.
Conducting Research Amid Wildfires
Nina Ferrari, a Ph.D. student in forest ecosystems and society, conducts bird research by climbing towering trees and joining the birds in their own realm — high up — rather than on the ground. In 2022 and 2023, she climbed 14 Douglas-firs in the H.J. Andrews Experimental Forest multiple times, studying how songbirds like hermit warblers and chestnut-backed chickadees divvy up vertical territories in multi-layered ancient forests and younger canopies planted 60 to 80 years ago. Recent inquiries at the Andrews have indicated that older complex forests offer cool pockets for songbirds to escape heat in a warming climate. Though half of Ferrari’s study trees burned in the 2023 Lookout Fire, she remains optimistic, believing her work will contribute to science amid climate extremes. Ferrari’s work was recently featured in National Wildlife Magazine.
A version of this story appeared in the Spring 2025 issue of Focus on Forestry, the alumni magazine of the Oregon State University College of Forestry.
