OAK HABITAT RESTORATION PROGRAM
Since Lomakatsi‘s inception in 1995, we have been a leader in the field of oak restoration. Through a collaborative, holistic approach, we have worked to restore thousands of acres of oak ecosystems throughout southern Oregon and northern California.
Oak Habitats
One of the most biologically diverse habitats in our region, oak environments are richer in wildlife than any other local terrestrial ecosystems. More than 300 wildlife species are known to use oaks, including dozens of resident and migratory birds. Oak habitats are important contributors to biodiversity in the Pacific Northwest, supporting communities of plants and animals that are remarkably different from adjacent agricultural fields and conifer forests. They are also among the most threatened ecological communities in the Pacific Northwest, with current estimates indicating that less than 10% of the historic oak habitats remain in Oregon. Oak habitats face a variety of stressors, and under such conditions are at risk of disappearing without changes being made to their current management.
Threats to Oak Habitats
Encroachment: Frequent, low-intensity fires help shape and maintain the health and diversity of oak ecosystems. Fire suppression has removed this natural disturbance process, allowing conifers, woody shrubs, and younger oaks to become established. As a result, oak stands are becoming extremely dense, creating stress on larger oak trees and degrading overall woodland health. This has lead to a reduction in habitat quality, the build-up of fuel loads, and an increased risk of uncharacteristically severe wildfire.
Loss of Habitat Structure: Large, old oak trees that provide the limb structure, cavities, and acorn production required by many wildlife species have been lost. Due to overcrowding, remaining oaks are not developing the same structural traits.
Exotic Invasive Species: Non-native plants like Scotch broom, English hawthorn, and Yellow starthistle have invaded the understory communities, increasing fuel loads and degrading habitat.
Impacts to Watershed Health: Upland habitats affect aquatic systems by influencing the hydrologic function of watersheds, slope stability and erosion. Encroaching vegetation in oak systems affects watershed function by reducing water yield and increasing the potential for high-severity fire and subsequent erosion and sediment delivery to streams.
Land Use Conversion: Oak habitats continue to be converted to other uses, such as cropland, vineyards, and residential development.
Lomakatsi Oak Habitat Restoration Program Objectives
Many oak-associated wildlife and plant species of special status or management concern occur throughout the region. Numerous Federal, State and other wildlife habitat conservation plans and documents are directly addressed through Lomakatsi’s Oak Habitat Restoration efforts. These documents underscore the importance of maintaining and promoting oak habitats for their inherent natural and biological values.
Specific objectives of Lomakatsi’s Oak Habitat Restoration Program are to:
• Protect and promote the development of habitat for oak-associated wildlife
• Curtail the decline of oak-associated plant communities by reducing existing threats
• Improve watershed health and function
Program Elements and Strategies, Read More
Oak Restoration Treatment
To address the threats to oak habitats and achieve these objectives, ecological thinning, prescribed fire, removal and utilization of restoration by-products (saw logs, firewood, special forest products, woody biomass) are used to reduce encroaching vegetation, stand densities, and fuel hazards. These activities along with invasive weed control, native grass seeding and oak planting promote the development of habitat and watershed health by fostering the restoration of oak stands to their historic condition.
