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Western Oregon Cascades Recovery Effort

Western Oregon Cascades Recovery Effort 

Climate-Smart Reforestation and Recovery Assistance (RCPP)
 

Location: South Obenchain Fire footprint
Partners: Sustainable Northwest, NRCS, Western Oregon Cascadia Recovery Effort (WOCRE)
 

As part of a statewide partnership led by Sustainable Northwest, Jackson Soil and Water Conservation District is leading local post-fire forest restoration efforts within the South Obenchain Fire footprint. This project is part of a larger Regional Conservation Partnership Program (RCPP) initiative aimed at helping private forest landowners in the Western Cascades recover from the 2020 Labor Day fires.

Two firefighters in yellow gear and red helmets observe a controlled burn in a forest clearing.
Two firefighters from Oregon Department of Forestry and Grayback Forestry working together during a controlled burn. Their efforts are key to reducing wildfire risks in our fuel reduction projects.

Project Goals:

  • Restore forest health on fire-impacted private woodlands
  • Reduce fuel loads and wildfire risk
  • Support climate-smart reforestation
  • Improve erosion control and wildlife habitat
  • Streamline forest management planning, seedling sourcing, and restoration contracting

Our Role in the South Obenchain Fire Area:
JSWCD is coordinating landowner outreach, forest treatment planning, and on-the-ground restoration work. Our outreach addressed a backlog of interest from landowners needing post-fire support. We are also integrating resources from other funding streams, including Oregon Department of Forestry disaster recovery funds and our own CAP Forestry funding, to expand our capacity and impact.

A forest with scattered, small fires on the ground, producing smoke amidst green grass and trees.
A brush burn underway as part of our fuel reduction efforts. This treatment helps mitigate fire hazards and promotes healthier forest ecosystems.

Project Status:
All landowner contracts are signed. We’re finalizing the first implementation contract with Grayback Forestry to treat 425 acres of burned, non-industrial private woodlands. Work will begin mid-April and includes removing standing dead trees, pile burning, and carefully managing regrowth of oak and madrone. One property is pending cultural resource clearance. JSWCD has also committed match funding to help source and grow native seedling materials for replanting efforts.

Monitoring:
We’re using NRCS protocols to track pre- and post-treatment forest conditions, fuel levels, and potential fire behavior—helping us measure outcomes and adapt as needed.