EUGENE, Ore. — For Lisa Bianco-Davis and John Bianco, caring for the environment is part of everyday life. From food and health to transportation, their choices all reflect a commitment to sustainable living.
So, when the couple heard about a workshop hosted by the Oregon State University Extension Service in Lane County, they attended — despite the rain. They wanted to learn how to manage their 144-acre property near Creswell as a carbon sink to help address climate change.
“We want to preserve the forest as is — to make it as healthy as we can,” said Bianco-Davis.
Forests play a key role in carbon storage
According to Lauren Grand, Extension forester with OSU, forest landowners like Bianco-Davis and Bianco have the potential to make a measurable difference.
“Forests are uniquely effective at storing carbon,” Grand said, citing research from the Forest Carbon and Climate Program at Michigan State University, which notes that trees and soils are powerful carbon sinks.
While forests cover 30% of the Earth’s surface, Lane County is 85% forested. Private landowners in the county manage about 764,000 acres of that forestland — land that could be used strategically to store more carbon.
Practical ways landowners can act
Grand shared several strategies landowners can use to keep carbon stored in trees and soil — and out of the atmosphere:
- Avoid burning slash. Burning releases carbon into the air.
- Keep forests healthy. Active management helps prevent disease and pest outbreaks. Thinning overcrowded stands can improve tree growth and reduce the risk of severe wildfires.
- Control invasive species. Invasives can disrupt forest ecosystems and carbon storage.
- Conserve existing forests. Prevent forest conversion to urban development or cropland.
- Plant more trees. Add trees in areas like stream buffers or former pastureland.
- Explore agroforestry. Integrate trees with fields and grazing areas to increase resilience and carbon storage.
Replanting after storms and pests
After recent snowstorms and pest damage killed many trees on their land, Bianco and Bianco-Davis are preparing to replant. They’ve ordered a diverse mix of tree species — a step Grand recommends to improve forest resilience to climate change and invasive threats.
“Forestry is complex,” Grand said. “Much depends on a landowner’s goals for their property.”
Grand encourages landowners to reach out to their local Extension forester for site-specific guidance. OSU Extension also offers support through programs such as Master Woodland Manager and the Women Owning Woodlands Network — both designed to help landowners gain the skills and confidence needed to steward their forests for generations to come.
Previously titled Woodland owners learn how to fight climate change with trees
