TAKE ACTION: Low Elevation Douglas-Fir Mortality in Southern Oregon

The effects of climate change on our forests are dramatic and obvious- here in the Klamath Siskiyous we are seeing an unprecedented die-off of low elevation Douglas fir stands due to a lethal combination of drought, heat domes and insect infestation. 

Douglas fir dieoff, Credit: Danny DePinte

The Medford District BLM has initiated a planning effort to remove some of the dead and dying Dougals fir trees while encouraging the development of hardwood stands (such as oak and madrone) that may be more resilient to climate change. That project is found here.

Unfortunately, at the same time that the BLM is struggling to address widespread Douglas-fir mortality it is also conducting "regeneration" logging of healthy older forest stands followed up by planting dense young Dougals-fir stands that are not resilient to fire or drought. One such timber sale is found here.

Please join us in asking the BLM to stop creating timber plantations that will increase fire hazard and decrease the ability of forests to survive climate change. ⬇️