MyUSTINET News: Urgent Efforts Needed To Save White Oaks

PORTLAND, Ore., May 15 (UPI) -- U.S. scientists say aggressive efforts are needed if communities of Oregon white oak trees, now in decline, are to be saved in the Pacific Northwest.

SAVE MONEY ON TRAVEL DEALS

Peter Gould, a research forester at the U.S. Forest Service's Pacific Northwest Research Station in Portland, Ore., said fire suppression programs, conifer and invasive plant encroachment and land use changes have resulted in the loss of as much as 99 percent of the oak communities historically present in some areas of the region.

The study's findings indicate that if oaks are to be successfully restored, more aggressive management is needed within the next several decades.

"In areas where conifers have encroached into oak woodlands and savannas, about two-thirds of the remaining oaks were predicted to die over a 50-year period unless the conifers are removed", said Gould, lead author of the report.

An electronic copy of the report is available at http://www.fs.fed.us/pnw/pubs/pnw--gtr745.pdf. Print copies will be available May 30.

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Related News Topics:

	Print This Story
	Email This Story

BREAKING STORIES

Oregon wants to keep invasive critters out

Wolf pups spotted in Oregon

Lionfish danger to reef life, study says

Surfer's arm severed in boat collision

Climber survives 100-foot mountain fall

'Laramie Project' producer sues school

Sea lions ate fewe Oregon salmon this year

Charges unlikely in faith-healing death

Peacocks won't be strutting stuff in zoo

Rapper 'Slick Rick' enjoys new freedom

Obama projected winner in Oregon primary

Clinton, Obama expected to split Ky., Ore.

Obama expects pledged delegate majority

Obama expected to win Oregon

Polls: Clinton, Obama split Ky., Ore.

Obama, Clinton campaign hard

Obama to spend primary day in Iowa

New Clinton ad questions Obama lock

Caged sea lions died of heatstroke

Urgent efforts needed to save white oaks