Forest Research Laboratory

The Forest Research Laboratory leads innovative approaches to forest management, wood-based renewable materials and understanding of forest ecosystems to improve the health and resiliency of Oregon’s forests, economy and communities.

OSU-USDA genomics study stiffens Oregon sudden oak death defenses

Sudden oak death has killed tanoaks and oaks along the West Coast for decades, altering forests, wildlife habitat and cultural resources. In southwest Oregon, it forces hard choices about quarantine, eradication and how to protect...

Mar 2026 | Impact Story

OSU builds forest biodiversity data through community science

The Oregon State University College of Forestry owns and manages the McDonald-Dunn Research Forest, an 11,500-acre, heavily visited forest north of Corvallis. After three years of collaboration among scientists, educators, tribes and ...

Mar 2026 | Impact Story

Volunteers collect Oregon ash seeds to fight EAB

Oregon ash (Fraxinus latifolia) is an ecologically important West Coast tree that may disappear from much of its range — from British Columbia to California — as emerald ash borer, an invasive insect, spreads in North ...

Mar 2026 | Impact Story

OSU study shows wildfire risk challenges long-term forest planning

Wildfire risk is rising across the Pacific Northwest at the same time timber prices remain volatile. For timberland owners, that combination can make long harvest rotations harder to justify and can reduce the value of forestland...

Feb 2026 | Impact Story

Co-created wildfire guide helps Spanish-speaking renters prepare

Wildfire risk continues to increase across Oregon, but access to preparedness education is not evenly distributed. Spanish-speaking renters, farmworkers and forest workers often face barriers that limit their ability to prepare for, ...

Feb 2026 | Impact Story

Heat dome canopy damage mapped to inform Northwest forest decisions

The 2021 “heat dome” brought record heat to the Pacific Northwest, stressing forests at a scale few managers had seen before. Extreme heat can scorch foliage in the forest canopy, reducing photosynthesis and leaving trees ...

Feb 2026 | Impact Story

Master Woodland Managers strengthen Oregon forests

Oregon has about 44,000 private woodland owners managing 3.5 million acres of forestland. These lands make up 12% of the state’s forests and contribute to economic vitality and environmental health. The program equips landowners ...

Sep 2025 | Impact Story

Extension forester distributes seedlings to help restore Port-Orford-cedar

Port-Orford-cedar root rot, caused by the invasive pathogen Phytophthora lateralis, has led to widespread mortality of Port-Orford-cedar (Chamaecyparis lawsoniana) throughout its native range in Southern Oregon. These distribution efforts ...

May 2025 | Impact Story

Students experience nature at Hopkins Demonstration Forest

Oregon’s youths are increasingly learning about the state’s natural resources through online lessons in the classroom. Because experiential learning is increasingly recognized as a valuable learning opportunity, Oregon State University ...

May 2025 | Impact Story

Oregon Season Tracker engages community to advance climate science

The Oregon Season Tracker program, coordinated by Oregon State University Extension, has engaged hundreds of volunteers across Oregon to collect critical environmental data on precipitation and plant phenology. By installing standardized ...

May 2025 | Impact Story