ASC Monthly Speakers: “The Role of Fire in Maintaining Habitats of the Willamette Valley”

Aaron Groth, OSU Wildfire Specialist

The Kalapuya used fire to maintain both the habitats of the Willamette Valley and native plants and animals. In the absence of fire, the prairies, oak savannahs, and woodlands have become dense forests that are dominated by Maple and Douglas-fir trees. Land developed has resulted in habitat loss and fragmentation, and non-native species often outcompete native plants.

Throughout Benton County, private landowners and organizations now use fire as one of the tools to restore habitats and species. Public acceptance is fairly high, but it is important for people to understand the purpose of the prescribed burn and its intended benefits. Aaron Groth will discuss these concerns and how they are being addressed. He will also consider how prescribed fire can be one part of a larger process towards achieving fire-resilient communities and landscapes.

Aaron Groth is an OSU Regional Fire Specialist for the Coast, providing fire information for communities. He has worked for city, state, and federal agencies, international cooperation, nonprofits, and served as an Environmental Peace Corps Volunteer in Peru. He hopes to serve as a Public Information Officer (PIO) Trainee during wildfires with Oregon Department of Forestry this summer.

FWS and partners conduct a controlled burn at Finley NWR in 2017 to improve habitat for elk and geese.

How to See the Monthly Presentations

The 2023 – 2024 Monthly Meetings will be both in-person and available on Zoom! They will be held in the Corvallis Community Center Chandler Ballroom on NW Tyler Ave. in Corvallis. At 6:30 pm is the social gathering, followed by a business meeting at 7:00 pm, the program begins at 7:30 pm and lasts about an hour. For those who are viewing the presentation only via Zoom, you may tune in at 7:30.

Meetings are open to the general public, although space is limited. Contact [email protected] for information about accessing the program.

To see more information about this and other Audubon Speakers visit the ASC Monthly Speakers web page.