By Norma Kline, OSU Extension Forestry, Coos and Curry Counties.

Woodland owners in Oregon have a wide range of resources and assistance available to help them fulfill their management objectives. Because we have so many agencies and non-profits that provide assistance, knowing who to contact can be challenging. An excellent place to start is the Resources for Family Forestland Owners produced by the Oregon Forest Resources Institute (OFRI), available here. This handy reference compiles the various family forest landowner associations, federal and state natural resources agencies, non-profits, and professional forestry service organizations. The 2023-24 edition is the most current version.

An additional resource for landowners in Coos and Curry Counties is the Contacts for Woodland Owners, a convenient compilation of local agency and non-profit contacts. This listing includes names, positions and phone numbers of natural resource professionals that cover our local area, available here.

While both of these references are handy to have at hand, it’s still not always apparent who to contact for a specific question. In the following paragraphs, you will find short descriptions of the various natural resource non-profits and agencies for our local area. If you would like to read more about them, reference the provided websites for more information.

Organizations that help with stream restoration and provide technical assistance.

Watershed associations are non-profit entities with boards of directors, experienced natural resource staff and long-term strategic plans. If you are interested in partnering with a local watershed association to restore salmon habitat on your property, consider contacting the watershed association that covers your ownership. These organizations may also be able to help with noxious priority weed control and have volunteer opportunities as well. The Coos Watershed Association, the Coquille Watershed Association, and the Curry Watersheds Partnership are all active watershed councils that write grants for watershed priority restoration projects. Read more about their past work and future goals on their respective websites.

Your local Soil and Water Conservation District (SWCD) can also help fund projects and provide technical assistance. These districts are non-regulatory agencies with board directors that are elected and hold terms of 4 years.  Your local SWCD can help out with soil and water conservations concerns on a farm or ranch. Projects include riparian enhancement and fish passage projects to name a few.

Another resource to consider is the Oregon Conservation Reserve Enhancement Program (CREP). This program can help landowners protect riparian areas with fencing and restoration planting. CREP is a state and federal partnership that allows landowners to receive incentive payments from the USDA for establishing long-term riparian buffers. You can learn more and check your eligibility by contacting the local CREP technician.

Organizations that help with forest management planning and provide technical assistance.

We have a local Natural Resource Conservation Service (NRCS) District office located in Coquille, the staff covers both Coos and Curry counties. This U.S. Department of Agriculture funded agency administers a number of funding programs for small woodland owners. The Environmental Quality Incentives Program is one program that can help small woodland owners on a number of topics including funding for forest management plan writing and Gorse wildfire hazard mitigation.

Oregon Department of Forestry (ODF) staff can help you navigate Oregon’s Forest Practice Act rules. Check the list to see who covers your area, staff include Stewardship Foresters and the new Small Forestland Owner (SFO) Forester as well as the Sudden Oak Death Program.

Another key resource is the Coos Forest Protective Association (CFPA). You will want to check their website for fire restriction information and to see requirements for pile burning.

While not on the Contacts for Woodland Owners list, there are other key resources that provide services for woodland owners. These include consulting foresters and loggers. The Association of Consulting Foresters website and the Associated Oregon Loggers, Inc website are great resources to find those professionals. These links can be found in the OFRI Resources for Family Forestland Owners resource listed earlier.

An additional group that is very helpful for small woodland owners is the Oregon Small Woodland Association. This is a membership organization whose mission is to educate and inform small woodland owners on topics related to family forest management issues. Membership in this organization can be a great way to meet other landowners and learn about upcoming forestry topics.

Last but not least, OSU Extension Forestry and Natural Resources agents provide a myriad of educational opportunities including workshops, publications and technical assistance. If you are still unsure of the appropriate organization to contact to get help for your specific woodland management need, an OSU Extension Forester can assist you.

By Norma Kline, OSU Extension Forester for Coos and Curry Counties

Shore pine (Pinus contorta var. contorta), is a common and extremely hardy native tree of Oregon’s coast. Shore pine can occur in solid stands or in mixed stands along with Sitka spruce, Port-Orford-cedar, western hemlock and Douglas-fir. Shore pine is adapted to our long summer dry periods and rainy winters. The characteristic twisted growth form on rocky bluffs near the beach, attesting to its ability to withstand our harsh windy coastal weather (Figure 1). It may seem surprising that our coastal shore pine is a variant of the straight, tall lodgepole pine found throughout central and eastern Oregon. The scientific name of lodgepole is Pinus contorta while Shore pine is Pinus contorta var. contorta. You can confirm the two are very similar by taking a close look at the needles and cones. Both lodgepole and shore pine have needles in bundles of two, and small woody cones that are 1-2 inches long. These cones can remain closed for years. The bark is thin and flaky. While lodgepole pine is used for a number of commercial wood products, shore pine is mainly appreciated for its ecosystem function and beauty in the landscape.

Despite shore pines’ reputation for being a tough and hardy native conifer, it can still succumb to a number of common forest health issues. In the home landscape, a common stressor includes watering mature trees during the summer. This can occur if a lawn or garden has been developed around existing trees. Overwatering can cause a suitable environment for pathogens to infest the root system which eventually causes tree decline. On the other hand, a newly planted shore pine seedling will require periodic watering until it is established, see Selecting, Planting and Caring for a New Tree, in references below.

Shore pine is shade intolerant, in other words it does best in full sun. Shore pines that are overtopped or shaded by other trees will eventually become spindly and exhibit poor growth. Another hazard in home landscapes is root damage or compaction caused by trenching or road construction. Injury to limbs or the tree trunk (bole) through equipment damage or incorrect pruning can also create a route for insects or pathogens to gain entry. Avoid damaging the branch collar or tree trunk while pruning (Figure 2). Pruning should be completed from October to February. Pruning outside this time period can attract Sequoia pitch moth, which create unsightly globs of pitch on the tree trunk. For a comprehensive description of forest health considerations for shore pine, see Common Insect Pests and Diseases of Shore Pine on the Oregon Coast, in references below.

References

Selecting, Planting, and Caring for a New Tree: https://extension.oregonstate.edu/catalog/pub/ec1438

Common Insect Pests and Diseases of Shore Pine on the Oregon Coast: https://extension.oregonstate.edu/catalog/pub/em9008

By Norma Kline, OSU Extension Forester for Coos and Curry Counties

If you live near Bandon, you are likely very familiar with gorse (Ulex europaeus), an introduced exotic weed from Europe. Gorse is thorny and extremely painful to walk through, making areas of your property inaccessible. While gorse plants start out small, they can grow to over 10 feet tall with stout woody stems. These monoculture thickets suppress native vegetation (Figure 1). And even worse, gorse is extremely flammable, making it a severe fire hazard. In 1936, gorse growing in the empty lots between buildings in Bandon helped fuel a fire that caused significant destruction to the town.

Sudden Oak Death Webinar Recordings

Did you miss the What’s Happening with Sudden Oak Death in Curry County Webinar series held on April 11 and 18th? This two-part series was recorded and can be viewed anytime. Here is a quick overview: In the first session, Sarah Navarro, USFS Regional Sudden Oak Death Pathologist, gave a general overview of sudden oak death. Sarah’s presentation covered what sudden oak death is, how it spreads, symptoms to look out for, treatment approaches and the economic impacts. Sarah also discussed the Sudden Oak Death Task Force, an incredible partnership that includes private landowners, state and federal agencies as well as nonprofits and the Oregon State University LeBoldus Lab and Extension. All who are key players in finding solutions to slow the spread of the pathogen. View the recording here: https://media.oregonstate.edu/media/t/1_0h0hoqd5

In the second session, Randy Wiese and Quinn Allen with the Oregon Department of Forestry discussed survey and sampling methods. It was interesting to hear about their work exploring the use of drones to help find infested tanoaks. Drones could really be helpful, as currently they travel to each suspected tanoaks on foot! Once a potentially infested tanoak is found, they take a small sample from beneath the bark and insert it into sterile media in a petri dish that is then sent to the lab. They then carefully sterilize their tools to avoid cross contamination with future samples. Every tree that is found and sampled is geolocated and recorded in a database. This description of the intensive field work required to find and sample trees was followed by a presentation covering lab diagnostics by Elizabeth (Biz) Stamm with the OSU LeBoldus Lab. Biz covered the multiple steps, equipment and expertise required to assess samples in order to confirm sudden oak death. Biz also showed us some nice images of Phytophthora ramorum as seen through a microscope.

Finally, Dr. Ebba Peterson, with the OSU LeBoldus Lab presented first year results and future directions of a project lead by Dr. Jared LeBoldus, looking at how loss of tanoak will impact biodiversity in SW Oregon forests. This is an important question that many folks have had in regard to effects of tanoak mortality on pollinators, wildlife habitat, and the wider interconnected ecosystem. I’m looking forward to future updates from this long term study. View the recording here: https://media.oregonstate.edu/media/t/1_ehbb39wl

New Emerald Ash Borer Publication: Alternatives to Ash in Western Oregon

By now, most of you have probably heard about the infestation of Emerald Ash Borer (EAB) in Forest Grove, Oregon. This was a significant finding as it was the first detection of EAB in Oregon. EAB has killed ash throughout the United States. Once EAB is established in an area, it is extremely difficult to control as it can fly for miles to infest new trees. In Oregon, we are particularly concerned about the fate of our Oregon Ash. Oregon Ash is an important riparian tree throughout our region and has been planted extensively in riparian restoration projects. If EAB were to become widely established in Oregon, Oregon Ash mortality would leave significant gaps in riparian areas that could then easily be filled with invasive plants. Restoration practitioners are particularly interested in what riparian species they should plant in restoration sites to avoid large-scale restoration failures if EAB were to infest the site.  Here is a practical OSU Extension publication that helps answer these questions: Alternatives to Ash in Western Oregon. https://catalog.extension.oregonstate.edu/em9396

For a general overview of Oregon Ash tree health, check out Oregon Ash: Insects, Pathogens and Tree Health. https://catalog.extension.oregonstate.edu/em9380

Believe it or not, it’s going to stop raining. In most years, it stops raining as if a faucet were turned off.  If past years are any indication of the future, we might not see any measurable precipitation from July until September. The end of the rainy season signals the start of fire season and the start of industrial fire closures for forest workers as well as regulated use fire closures for the general public. Do you know where to find information on fire restrictions affecting activities on your property?  If you are in Coos or Curry Counties, access the Coos Forest Protective Association website: https://www.coosfpa.net/  Save this website as a favorite so you can view all the great resources including Today’s Fire Danger Levels. Then navigate to the Regulated Use Proclamations an the Public Use Restriction Chart that describes which activates are prohibited as fire danger increases. Go ahead and print this chart out for your bulletin board as a quick reference during fire season. The chart also provides timing restrictions and equipment requirements for regulated activities. For example, see when (and if) you can use a chainsaw for nonindustrial use during fire season, and what firefighting tools need to be carried with each saw. The Public Use Restriction Chart also provides specific details on regulations regarding operating motorized vehicles (including motorcycles and all-terrain vehicles) during fires season. This is a great time to make sure that you have the required firefighting equipment if you plan to travel in forestlands. This includes one shovel, one axe or Pulaski, and one gallon of water or a 2.5lb or larger ABC fire extinguisher. In addition, do not forget to read the restrictions regarding mowing of dried or cured grass and cutting, grinding, and welding of metal as well as campfires. This is just a selection of restricted activities and requirements. It is a good idea to read up on the rules and understand how they relate to your activities.

Landowners engaged in industrial operations will need to refer to the Industrial Fire Closure Proclamations and associated legal requirements. Check out the nice summary of fire season requirements and links to the Oregon laws and Administrative Rules that establish the fire prevention and suppression requirements for operations. The CFPA website has contact numbers if you have any questions.

Have a safe fire season everyone!

By Norma Kline, Oregon State University Extension Forester for Coos and Curry Counties

If you live or work in southern Oregon, the dead and dying Port-Orford-cedar (Chamaecyparis lawsoniana) along Highway 101 are hard to miss. The culprit behind this widespread mortality of Port-Orford-cedar is an introduced invasive pathogen called Phytophthora lateralis. Phytophthora lateralis causes Port-Orford-cedar root disease. Phytophthora means plant destroyer in Greek and is part of a larger order of microorganisms called Oomycetes or water molds. These pathogens are related to fungi, but do not develop obvious fruiting bodies. If the genus Phytophthora sounds familiar, it is because a related pathogen called Phytophthora ramorum causes sudden oak death. Phytophthoras thrive in the moist conditions in coastal Oregon. There are many other notable Phytophthoras including Phytophthora infestans, the pathogen that causes late blight of potato and tomato.

Port-Orford-cedar root disease was first detected in nursery plants in the 1920’s and was identified in natural forests in Coos County in the 1950’s. Since that time, Port-Orford-cedar root disease has spread across much of the native range of Port-Orford-cedar. While the primary host in Oregon for Phytophthora lateralis is Port-Orford-cedar, Pacific Yew (Taxus brevifolia) can also be infested. Fortunately, the disease does not infest our other native forest species. For example, the pathogen will not spread from an infested Port-Orford-cedar to a neighboring Douglas-fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii) or Western-redcedar (Thuja plicata).

Unfortunately, Phytophthora lateralis is easily transported on muddy road building machinery or maintenance equipment and even shoes. When the pathogen is moved to a new area, it typically first infests tree roots and then progresses up to the base of the tree where it girdles and kills the tree. The pathogen then progresses from one Port-Orford-cedar to the next via interconnected roots.  A common series of events is for an infestation to start with trees at the edge of a road or driveway and then slowly spread into the adjacent forest. The disease seems to travel in waves across the landscape. 

What do you do if you observe yellow and brown foliage on a Port-Orford-cedar? First, confirm that the tree is indeed Port-Orford-cedar. Western redcedar and Port-orford-cedar can look similar from a distance. Cones, if you can find them, are the best diagnostic tool. Both Port-Orford-cedar cones and western redcedar cones are very small (about ½ inch in size). Port-Orford-cedar cones are round (Figure 1) while Western redcedar cones are shaped like a rosebud, and bend up and back towards the tree (Figure 2). The foliage and bark also have characteristic differences. Turn the foliage over to observe the “X” shape pattern on Port-Orford-cedar or the butterfly or bowtie shape distinctive of Western redcedar (Figures 3 and 4). The bark can also be helpful in differentiating between the two species; Port-Orford-cedar has thicker more fibrous bark than the finer textured bark of western redcedar.

Once you have determined that the tree in question is a Port-Orford-cedar, then Port-Orford-cedar root disease might be responsible for the observed decline and mortality. On a newly dead tree, you can investigate further by carefully using a hatchet to remove the outer bark near the base of the tree. Port-Orford-cedar root disease causes a characteristic stain on the cambium (the living tissue beneath the bark) (Figure 5). Just remember, it’s not a good idea to chop into a living tree as it can expose the tree to pathogens or insects. If you see areas of loose bark on a dead tree, you might notice insect galleries (tunnels) under the bark. In many cases, these are indications of beetles that aid in wood decomposition. These “secondary” beetles invade trees that are already dead and dying. You might also see signs of cedar bark beetles, which are also considered a secondary beetle (as they are not the primary cause of tree mortality). Cedar bark beetles are attracted to stressed cedars (such as Port-Orford-cedars stressed from root disease), and stressed junipers and redwoods. Cedar bark beetle galleries are distinctive (Figure 6).

Port-Orford-cedar root disease is difficult to treat. Some landowners choose to remove obviously infested Port-Orford-cedar as well as nearby apparently healthy Port-Orford-cedar in order to disrupt disease spread from interconnected roots. This is not likely to be effective in areas where the disease is widespread. In which case, property owners will need to assess safety and fuels hazards created by dead and dying trees. Leaving some snags (dead trees) in the landscape is beneficial for both cavity nesting birds and bats. Likewise, downed logs serve as habitat for amphibians and benefits soil structure as the logs slowly rot.

If Port-Orford-cedar root disease symptoms are caught very early in the disease progression, a homeowner might opt to have a notable Port-Orford-cedar in the home landscape treated with fungicides. Continued treatments would be required to keep the infestation in check. This approach is not likely to be practical in situations where large numbers of trees are infested. Read more about chemical treatments in the PNW handbook (see References).

Luckily there is good news. Disease resistant Port-Orford-cedar seedlings are available for landowners interested in restoring Port-Orford-cedar to the landscape. Disease resistant Port-Orford-cedar are the result of a long term and very successful breeding program at the USFS Dorena Genetic Nursery in southern Oregon. Landowners interested in planting disease resistant Port-Orford-cedar in Coos or Curry Counties should contact their extension forester (norma.kline@oregonstate.edu). Just remember that planting season in western Oregon is in the rainy winter months.

As always, use herbicides safely! Wear protective clothing and safety equipment as recommended on the label. Bathe or shower after each use. Read the pesticide label – even if you have used the pesticide before. Follow the instructions on the label (and any other directions you have). Be cautious when you apply pesticides. Know your legal responsibility as a pesticide applicator. You may be liable for injury or damage resulting from pesticide use. Use herbicides responsibly.

References

Port-Orford-Cedar Root Disease Leaflet https://www.fs.usda.gov/Internet/FSE_DOCUMENTS/stelprdb5346825.pdf

PNW Handbook – Phytopthora lateralis treatment options

https://pnwhandbooks.org/plantdisease/host-disease/cedar-port-orford-chamaecyparis-lawsoniana-root-rot

By Norma Kline, Oregon State University Extension Forester for Coos and Curry Counties

As with any specialized field, forestry has its own jargon. Some terms are precise and measurable while others describe broader concepts. This article covers a group of similar sounding terms (site quality, site productivity, site index, site class) which are all used to reference how well trees grow in a given area, or site. You may have observed that trees and understory vegetation grow better on some areas on your woodland than in other areas. These differences may seem more pronounced on steep areas with shallow soils where you might see less overall vegetation and slower tree growth.  In contrast, you might see fairly lush understory vegetation and rapid tree growth in flat areas near streams. You might even notice that the two areas have different species. The moist and deep soils near streams typically support mixed conifer and hardwood species including hemlock, western redcedar and alder and understory species including ferns, salal and red elderberry. In contrast, steep slopes with shallow soils might be dominated by Douglas-fir with sparse understory species including more drought tolerant species such as manzanita and silk tassel.

By Brad Withrow-Robinson, OSU Forestry and Natural Resources Extension, Agent serving Benton, Linn, and Polk Counties

Many forest landowners are aware of the growing interest in, as well as the importance of pollinators. Pollinators include many kinds of insects, and even some birds and mammals. But the pollinators attracting most of the attention are our native bees. The Master Gardeners are great advocates of pollinator stewardship and do popular trainings on caring for mason bees and growing pollinator gardens. The potential and the need for supporting pollinators in urban/suburban settings, as well as in a larger agricultural landscape is clear. But what about all the forestlands in Oregon?

By Norma Kline, OSU Forestry Agent, Coos and Curry Counties

If you have read news articles about Sudden Oak Death (SOD) in southern Oregon’s Curry County you may be concerned that trees on your property are at risk for infection. Sudden Oak Death has killed hundreds of thousands of tanoak since it was first detected near Brookings in 2001. Why has Sudden Oak Death been so damaging to our native ecosystems? Sudden Oak Death is caused by an introduced (non-native) pathogen called Phytophthora ramorum. Phytophthora ramorum is an internationally quarantined pathogen first described in California in the mid-1990’s and remains a serious threat to forest and nursery industries. Oregon’s interagency Sudden Oak Death program actively surveys and treats infestations at the leading edge of the disease.

On June 30, 2022, emerald ash borer (EAB), an exotic beetle that infests ash trees, was discovered in Forest Grove, Oregon, marking the first confirmation of the invasive pest on the West Coast. In Oregon, the establishment of EAB could devastate whole habitat types that are dominated by Oregon ash such as ash swales and sensitive riparian zones, as well as reduce urban forest cover. This pest has proven deadly to all ash species in North America and Europe, including the native Oregon ash (Fraxinus latifolia).