Stephen Fitzgerald

Director of the College of Forestry Research Forests , Silviculture Specialist

[email protected]

Expertise: Fire , Forest health and management

Department/Unit: Forest Engineering Resources and Management

Content by Stephen Fitzgerald

Managing Oregon's westside landscapes with fire in mind

As wildfires become more frequent and intense, managing landscapes in Oregon's westside regions is crucial for both beauty and safety. The Oregon State University Extension provides key strategies for balancing fire risk reduction ...

Glenn Ahrens, Carrie Berger, Kayla Bordelon, Stephen Fitzgerald, Lauren Grand, Aaron Groth, John Punches | Aug 2024 | Collection Peer reviewed (Gray level)

Managing Douglas-fir–western hemlock forests of the Coast Range and Western Cascades with fire in mind

This brief provides strategies for increasing fire resilience in these forest types. It emphasizes protecting structures through home hardening, creating defensible spaces, utilizing strategic fuel breaks and fostering ...

Kayla Bordelon, Stephen Fitzgerald, Carrie Berger, Aaron Groth | Aug 2024 | Extension Catalog publication Peer reviewed (Orange level)

Introduction to Forest Carbon, Offsets and Markets

Learn the basics of forest carbon, offsets and markets. Topics include defining carbon in forests, carbon offset credits, methods of inventory/quantification, forest carbon projects and market types.

Jacob Putney, Norma Kline, Stephen Fitzgerald, Lauren Grand, Chris Schnepf, Greg Latta, Patrick Shults, John Rizza | Dec 2023 | Extension Catalog publication Peer reviewed (Orange level)

Fire-resistant plant profiles: Perennials

Choose the right perennial plants for your fire-resistant landscape with this comprehensive list for the Pacific Northwest.

Amy Jo Detweiler, Stephen Fitzgerald, Ariel Cowan, Neil Bell, Thomas Stokely | Nov 2023 | Educational gallery Peer reviewed (Gray level)

Fire-resistant plant profiles: Trees

Choose the right trees for your fire-resistant landscape with this comprehensive list for the Pacific Northwest.

Amy Jo Detweiler, Stephen Fitzgerald, Ariel Cowan, Neil Bell, Thomas Stokely | Nov 2023 | Educational gallery Peer reviewed (Gray level)

Fire-resistant plant profiles: Shrubs

Choose the right shrubs for your fire-resistant landscape with this comprehensive list for the Pacific Northwest.

Amy Jo Detweiler, Stephen Fitzgerald, Ariel Cowan, Neil Bell, Thomas Stokely | Nov 2023 | Educational gallery Peer reviewed (Gray level)

Fire-resistant plant profiles: Broadleaf evergreens

Choose the right broadleaf evergreen plants for your fire-resistant landscape with this comprehensive list for the Pacific Northwest.

Amy Jo Detweiler, Stephen Fitzgerald, Ariel Cowan, Neil Bell, Thomas Stokely | Nov 2023 | Educational gallery Peer reviewed (Gray level)

Fire-resistant plant profiles: Groundcovers

Choose the right groundcover plants for your fire-resistant landscape with this comprehensive list for the Pacific Northwest.

Amy Jo Detweiler, Stephen Fitzgerald, Ariel Cowan, Neil Bell, Thomas Stokely | Nov 2023 | Educational gallery Peer reviewed (Gray level)

Fire-resistant plants for home landscapes

Home landscaping is an important part of a community's resistance to wildfire. Learn what plants can help you create an attractive environment and reduce the risk of fire.

Amy Jo Detweiler, Stephen Fitzgerald, Ariel Cowan, Neil Bell, Thomas Stokely | Oct 2023 | Extension Catalog publication Peer reviewed (Orange level)

Invasive Weeds in Forestland: Butterfly Bush

Butterfly bush is an invasive plant in western Oregon. Learn how to control its spread by pulling seedlings or applying chemicals.

Stephen Fitzgerald | Oct 2023 | Extension Catalog publication Peer reviewed (Orange level)

Invasive Weeds in Forestland: Bull Thistle

Bull thistle is common in disturbed areas such as roadsides and logged forests. It invades a variety of habitats where it displaces native plants by outcompeting them for water, nutrients and space.

Stephen Fitzgerald | Apr 2023 | Extension Catalog publication Peer reviewed (Orange level)

Successful Reforestation: An Overview

Provides a brief overview of the steps involved in a typical reforestation operation. Covers mechanical, manual, and chemical methods of preparing the planting site. Discusses obtaining financial assistance for ...

Stephen Fitzgerald | Jun 2023 | Extension Catalog publication Peer reviewed (Orange level)

Bees in the woods: Enhancing pollinator habitat during herbicide treatments — spray skips

This video describes how not spraying certain areas in your forest can benefit pollinator habitat.

Lauren Grand, Brad Withrow-Robinson, Stephen Fitzgerald, Pat McAbery | Nov 2022 | Video Peer reviewed (Gray level)

Bees in the woods: Adding pollinator habitat to unused roads and landings

This video describes how to add bee habitat to existing roads, skid trails and landings on your forest.

Lauren Grand, Brad Withrow-Robinson, Stephen Fitzgerald, Pat McAbery | Nov 2022 | Video Peer reviewed (Gray level)

Episode 26: Stream Restoration

In this episode, Stephen Fitzgerald visits Woodcock Creek to interview multiple people involved in restoring and enhancing its natural habitat.

Stephen Fitzgerald, Jennifer Gorski, Brent Klumph, Walker Trask, Dave Stewart | Oct 2022 | Podcast episode

Ecology and Management of Eastern Oregon Forests: A Comprehensive Manual for Forest Managers

Gives an overview of Eastern Oregon forest types and various silvicultural systems for managing them. Discusses in depth the ecology and management of ponderosa pine, lodgepole pine, and mixed-conifer forests. Describes...

Paul T. Oester, Stephen Fitzgerald, Nicole Strong, Robert (Bob) Parker, Leticia Henderson (Varelas), Tim Deboodt, William H. Emmingham, Gregory M. Filip, Dan Edge | Oct 2022 | Extension Catalog publication Peer reviewed (Orange level)

Fire FAQs—Have the size and severity of forest wildfires increased in Oregon and across the West?

Presents research findings from the last ten years on the patterns of fire sizes since the 1980s. One in a series of fire FAQs that are based on questions Forest & Natural Resource Extension agents and ...

Max Bennett, Stephen Fitzgerald, Dan Leavell, Carrie Berger | Oct 2022 | Extension Catalog publication Peer reviewed (Orange level)

Episode 15: Reforestation

In this episode, Stephen Fitzgerald discusses reforestation with Carli Morgan at the McDonald-Dunn Forest planting site. Morgan manages the reforestation, forest inventory, and GIS programs for the OSU research forests.

Stephen Fitzgerald, Carli Morgan | Mar 2022 | Podcast episode

Smoke Management

Prescribed burns are an important tool in preventing wildfires, but the smoke they produce can be more than just a nuisance. Besides reducing visibility, smoke can affect the health and safety of firefighters and...

Amanda Rau, Stephen Fitzgerald, Emily Jane Davis, Carrie Berger | Feb 2022 | Extension Catalog publication Peer reviewed (Orange level)

Prescribed fire training builds foundation for effective landscape restoration

OSU Extension's controlled burning curriculum, modeled after practices used by Indigenous peoples for millenia, supports wildlife habitat and plays an important part in the traditions, culture and sovereignty of tribes.

Kym Pokorny | Jan 14, 2022 | News story

Managing Woodlands in the Coastal Fog Belt

Landowners face special challenges and opportunities managing woodlands in Oregon's coastal fog belt. This publication discusses forest management treatments that allow you to achieve your goals in this fast-growing environment.

Norma Kline, Valerie Elder, Stephen Fitzgerald | Jun 2023 | Extension Catalog publication Peer reviewed (Orange level)

Replanting Your Forest After Timber Harvest or Wildfire

Reforestation is required following timber harvesting and ensures the sustainability of your forest. If you are planning on planting tree seedlings in the next few years, then this class is for you! The class will provide ...

Stephen Fitzgerald | Dec 2020 | Video

Assessing the potential for salvage harvesting after wildfire

Primary purpose of salvage harvesting is to recover the economic value of trees killed or damaged by unforeseen and uncontrollable events (insects, wildfire, wind, ice & snow, volcanoes, etc.).

Stephen Fitzgerald | Nov 2020 | Fact Sheet

Fire, water, erosion & mitigation treatments summary

Fire, water, erosion & mitigation treatments summary

Stephen Fitzgerald | Nov 2020 | Fact Sheet

Assessing post-fire survivability of trees and potential for salvage harvesting (Recorded)

This webinar will cover a visual method for assessing survival of trees that have been injured by wildfire. We will also discuss specifically how salvage operations are conducted, equipment used, wildlife considerations, economics, ...

Glenn Ahrens, Stephen Fitzgerald | Oct 2020 | Video

After the fire checklist - fillable PDF

To make it easier to fill out, we have generated a fillable PDF form for the "After the fire checklist." Fill in the blanks to streamline your assessment process going to the next step (funding, contracting, further assistance). Don’t forget to include your map and photos.

Dan Leavell, Stephen Fitzgerald, Carrie Berger, Tiffany Hopkins | Oct 2020 | Fact Sheet

After the fire checklist

If Your property has been affected by wildfire, utilize this checklist to chart a course forward and modify to suit your needs.

Dan Leavell, Stephen Fitzgerald, Carrie Berger, Tiffany Hopkins | Oct 2020 | Fact Sheet

Episode 1: Welcome to the "In The Woods" Podcast

Listen to this episode to see what OSU Extension Forestry and this podcast are all about!

Lauren Grand, Carrie Berger, Stephen Fitzgerald, Jason O'Brien, Jacob Putney | Sep 2020 | Podcast episode

Fire FAQs — Are Structures Fuel? The Wildland Urban Interface and the 'Built' Environment

We now need to consider structures themselves as a fuel type contributing to wildfires, along with other potentially hazardous fuel such as wood piles, propane tanks and automobiles. In this context, the home ...

Dan Leavell, Stephen Fitzgerald, Carrie Berger, Gavin Horn | Jun 2023 | Extension Catalog publication Peer reviewed (Orange level)

Enhancing Reforestation Success in the Inland Northwest

This publication highlights vegetation management strategies to improve conifer seedling survival and growth. It compares vegetation management methods such as scalping, mulch mats, and herbicides for use on small woodland properties.

Paul T. Oester, Stephen Fitzgerald | Jun 2023 | Extension Catalog publication Peer reviewed (Orange level)

Fire FAQs — Who owns Oregon's forests, and how does that matter when it comes to fire?

Oregon's wildfire landscape is clouded by the mix of public and private interests that control more than 30 million acres. Forests make up nearly half of Oregon, and most forests fall under federal management. ...

Lauren Grand, Carrie Berger, Stephen Fitzgerald, Dan Leavell | Aug 2023 | Extension Catalog publication Peer reviewed (Orange level)

Fire FAQs—What is forest fuel, and what are fuel treatments?

Forest fuel is combustible biomass—everything from needles and twigs to shrubs, downed trees, and logs. Wildland fire managers reduce and rearrange fuel to reduce the probability of forest fires. Fuel treatments ...

Stephen Fitzgerald, Carrie Berger, Dan Leavell | Apr 2023 | Extension Catalog publication Peer reviewed (Orange level)

Prescribed Underburning in Southwest Oregon: A Case Study

This publication describers a case study of prescribed underburning on a private woodland in southwest Oregon. It is part of the "Alternative Silvilculture" series and is a companion publication to Mixed Conifer and Hardwood Management in Southwest Oregon (EM 9084).

Max Bennett, Marty Main, Stephen Fitzgerald | Dec 2022 | Extension Catalog publication Peer reviewed (Orange level)

Fire FAQs—What is fire severity?

Fire severity is a measure of the effects of fire on the environment—both in damage to vegetation and impacts on the soil. Fire severity is driven by weather conditions, the topography of the landscape, and the fuels that are present. Of these, weather is the overriding factor.

Carrie Berger, Lauren Grand, Stephen Fitzgerald, Dan Leavell | Oct 2022 | Extension Catalog publication Peer reviewed (Orange level)

Fire FAQs—Air quality impacts from prescribed fire and wildfire: How do they compare?

Compares the impacts that prescribed fires and wildfires have on air quality. One in a series of fire FAQs that are based on questions Forest & Natural Resource Extension agents and specialists have received from the people they serve.

Carrie Berger, Stephen Fitzgerald, Dan Leavell, Janice Peterson | Jun 2022 | Extension Catalog publication Peer reviewed (Orange level)

Choosing the Right Tree-Planting Contractor for Your Family Forest

Replanting after a timber harvest? Tree planting is expensive, you want to choose the right tree planting contractor from the start. Learn what questions to ask potential contractors.

Stephen Fitzgerald | Apr 2022 | Extension Catalog publication Peer reviewed (Orange level)

Fire FAQs—Salvage Cutting: What are the effects on fire behavior and severity?

Discusses the purpose and benefits of salvage cutting. One in a part of a series of fire FAQs that are based on questions Forest & Natural Resource Extension agents and specialists have received from the people they serve.

Stephen Fitzgerald, Carrie Berger, Dan Leavell, Lauren Grand | Mar 2023 | Extension Catalog publication Peer reviewed (Orange level)

Fire FAQs—Managing Wildfire for Resource Benefit: What is it and is it beneficial?

Discusses the conditions, planning, and circumstances involved in managing naturally ignited wildfire as a strategic choice to achieve forest resource management objectives. One in a series of fire FAQs that are based...

Carrie Berger, Stephen Fitzgerald, Dan Leavell | Mar 2022 | Extension Catalog publication Peer reviewed (Orange level)

Keeping Your Home and Property Safe from Wildfire

Learn to reduce wildfire risk by creating defensible space around your home.

Max Bennett, Stephen Fitzgerald, Alicia Christiansen, Kara Baylog | Sep 2023 | Extension Catalog publication Peer reviewed (Orange level)

Citizen Fire Academy: Curriculum Package for Facilitators and Educators

This Citizen Fire Academy curriculum package equips participants with the knowledge they need to improve fire preparedness and resiliency on their own properties and in their communities.

Stephen Fitzgerald, Kara Baylog, Max Bennett, Rhianna Simes, Nicole Strong | Nov 2021 | Extension Catalog publication Peer reviewed (Orange level)

Fire Science Core Curriculum

This curriculum is designed to teach the basics of fire to non-fire-professional community members, including instructors and landowners, such as ranchers and farmers.

Dan Leavell, Carrie Berger, Stephen Fitzgerald, Robert (Bob) Parker | Aug 2021 | Extension Catalog publication Peer reviewed (Orange level)

Fire Science core curriculum-Module 3

This is the third module for EM 9172, the Fire Science Core Curriculum. This curriculum is designed to teach the basics of fire to non-fire-professional community members, including instructors and landowners, such ...

Dan Leavell, Carrie Berger, Stephen Fitzgerald, Robert (Bob) Parker | Aug 2021 | Extension Catalog publication Peer reviewed (Orange level)

Fire Science core curriculum-Module 4

This is the fourth module for EM 9172, the Fire Science Core Curriculum. This curriculum is designed to teach the basics of fire to non-fire-professional community members, including instructors and landowners, such ...

Dan Leavell, Carrie Berger, Stephen Fitzgerald, Robert (Bob) Parker | Aug 2021 | Extension Catalog publication Peer reviewed (Orange level)

Fire Science core curriculum-Module 5

This is the fifth module for EM 9172, the Fire Science Core Curriculum. This curriculum is designed to teach the basics of fire to non-fire-professional community members, including instructors and landowners, such ...

Dan Leavell, Carrie Berger, Stephen Fitzgerald, Robert (Bob) Parker | Aug 2021 | Extension Catalog publication Peer reviewed (Orange level)

Fire Science core curriculum-Introduction

This is the introduction to EM 9172, the Fire Science Core Curriculum. This curriculum is designed to teach the basics of fire to non-fire-professional community members, including instructors and landowners, such as...

Dan Leavell, Carrie Berger, Stephen Fitzgerald, Robert (Bob) Parker | Aug 2021 | Extension Catalog publication Peer reviewed (Orange level)

Fire Science core curriculum-Module 1

This is the first module for EM 9172, the Fire Science Core Curriculum. This curriculum is designed to teach the basics of fire to non-fire-professional community members, including instructors and landowners, such ...

Dan Leavell, Carrie Berger, Stephen Fitzgerald, Robert (Bob) Parker | Aug 2021 | Extension Catalog publication Peer reviewed (Orange level)

Fire Science core curriculum-Module 2

This is the second module for EM 9172, the Fire Science Core Curriculum. This curriculum is designed to teach the basics of fire to non-fire-professional community members, including instructors and landowners, such ...

Dan Leavell, Carrie Berger, Stephen Fitzgerald, Robert (Bob) Parker | Aug 2021 | Extension Catalog publication Peer reviewed (Orange level)

Selecting, Planting, and Caring for a New Tree

This book is published as both an interactive app designed for tablet devices and as a downloadable pdf. Both versions cover basic information on choosing a planting site, selecting the right species for the ...

Stephen Fitzgerald, Paul Ries | Mar 2023 | Extension Catalog publication Peer reviewed (Orange level)

Strapping a Tree

Stephen Fitzgerald and Paul Ries explain how to strap a recently planted tree.

Paul Ries, Stephen Fitzgerald | Mar 2024 | Video

Group Selection Cutting in Mature Douglas-fir Forests

This case study examines the group selection method, which mimics the natural gap creation that takes place in old-growth forest stands as a result of wind throw, landslides and root-rot pockets.

Tristan Huff, Stephen Fitzgerald | Feb 2024 | Extension Catalog publication Peer reviewed (Orange level)

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