Learning Exchange
We engage, inform, and connect people to each other and to available resources, inspiring innovation and supporting landscape-scale forest restoration. We do this through workshops, peer-to-peer learning exchanges, and demonstration projects.
What We’re Doing
Peer-to-peer Learning Exchanges
- Diverse stakeholders—including forest restoration practitioners, land managers, and community members—are well-informed, engaged, and connected through active peer-to-peer learning networks.
- Opportunities for knowledge-transfer and innovation support efficient and effective implementation of forest restoration and stewardship practices.
Demonstration Projects
- On-the-ground demonstration and pilot projects showcase innovative tools and best practices to achieve forest restoration and stewardship outcomes.
- These examples show what is possible and spark interest in innovation
- On-the-ground projects serve as models for others across the region.
Collaborative Support Tools
- COFSF ensures collaborative groups have access to resources and tools that enhance the effectiveness of their collaborative efforts.
Workshop Series
Coordinating Shared Stewardship in Central Oregon
Areas of Interest
Implementation Efficiencies
Dry Forest Restoration Implementation Efficiencies Workshop
Over 100 forest practitioners gathered during a multi-day workshop to learn more about innovations and best practices for efficient and effective implementation of dry forest treatments. The event was supported by the Oregon Department of Forestry’s Federal Forest Restoration Program, The Nature Conservancy, and other regional partners.
Dry Forest Restoration on Steep Terrain Demonstration
COFSF introduced over 80 Forest Service Staff and timber industry practitioners to the Ponsse harvester and forwarder system’s capabilities to undertake ground-based dry forest restoration on slopes greater than 35%. The event, hosted in partnership with Miller Timber Services and Oregon State University researchers, showcased the equipment, supported researchers to collect soil compaction data, and advanced the conversation about dry forest restoration on steep terrain.
Designation Methods
The Forest Service uses a variety of methods to “designate” which trees within a restoration project will be harvested and which will be left. Each designation method has a different cost and results in a different level of accountability between the FS and the harvester. COFSF is interested in engaging practitioners in better understanding the tradeoffs of various designation methods with the goal of enhancing cost-effective forest restoration while ensuring quality outcomes on the ground.
Dry Forest Restoration on Steep Terrain Workshop
New technologies and approaches for restoring dry forests on slopes greater than 35% were explored during a one-day workshop hosted by COFSF. Practitioners shared their experiences working on steep terrain, highlighting creative solutions as well as ongoing challenges.
Prescribed Fire
Fire plays a vital role in the fire adapted ecosystems of Central Oregon. COFSF supports overcoming barriers that limit the use of prescribed fire as a management tool. Dana Skelly, Deputy Fire-staff Fuels on the Malheur National Forest shared her thoughts on his topic at COFSF’s Dry Forest Implementation Efficiencies Workshop in 2016.
Biomass
Crook County Biomass Summit
The Central Oregon Forest Stewardship Foundation supported the Ochoco Forest Restoration Collaborative (OFRC) to host a Biomass Summit to showcase examples of successful biomass utilization, explore what types of utilization may be viable in Crook County, and better understand any existing barriers. OFRC is invested in supporting ongoing dialogue in Crook County regarding next steps to support biomass utilization efforts in the area.
Collaborative Support Tools
Aspen Restoration
COFSF developed and published a support tool to assist forest collaboratives to develop social agreements for restoring aspen woodlands. This important, niche habitats one of the more biologically rich plant communities in Central and Eastern Oregon. The work was completed by Dr. Trent Seager, Dr. Vernita Ediger, and Dr. Emily Jane Davis with support from the Federal Forest Restoration Program.
Contact Us
Central Oregon Forest Stewardship Foundation (COFSF)
Bend, OR 97701
The Central Oregon Forest Stewardship Foundation (COFSF) is a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization, donations to the COFSF are tax-exempt, and the COFSF complies with all 501(c)(3) rules and regulations. Tax ID: 27-2703426.