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Spots available: 9
Post-fire Tree Monitoring
ORGANIZATION: CASCADE FOREST CONSERVANCY
Please visit the new page to apply.
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Spots available: 9
Trip description: This trip is part of a long-term and multi-partner effort to protect the majestic, old-growth ponderosa pines in a unique part of the Gifford Pinchot National Forest on the south side of Mount Adams. Forest stands in this area have become overgrown following decades of fire suppression-these particularly fire-prone areas are one of the few forest zones in the GPNF where thinning and prescribed burning are recommended as a viable management strategy for promoting ecosystem health. Currently, these mixed conifer forests are threatened by high-intensity fires and are also experiencing negative impacts from drought and disease due to heightened competition for water and nutrients.
For the past three years, Mount Adams Resource Steward (MARS) crews have been working to reduce fuel loads, and CFC volunteers have been assisting in the pulling back needles, bark, and other ladder fuels that have accumulated under the ponderosa pines. Reducing these uncharacteristically dense fuel loads is just one of the phases of the project to help protect the old-growth trees from the impacts of future wildfires. The next phase, prescribed fire, is occurring this spring. This action will help restore these forests and improve their long-term resilience to fire, drought, and disease.
The goal for this trip is to monitor conditions and survival after these restoration actions. What we find will help gauge the success of the treatments and inform future treatment strategies.
* Please note: the dates of this trip may change and are dependent on when prescribed burning is performed. Prescribed burns are only conducted in highly specific weather conditions to limit the risk of spread and the impacts of smoke to nearby communities.
Task: Using an iPad and forestry measurement tools to collect new data on how previously monitored old-growth trees fared after a prescribed fire.
Trip difficulty: 4 out of 5 || This trip involves walking through dense forest stands, over downed logs, and on uneven ground.
What you need: Sturdy hiking boots, rain gear, sun protection, day pack with food/water and other essentials, and camping gear (detailed list sent via email)
Gear provided: Data collection equipment
Lodging: Developed campground in the forest areas near Trout Lake
Please visit our website for more information: https://www.cascadeforest.org/volunteer/
More opportunities with CASCADE FOREST CONSERVANCY
No additional volunteer opportunities at this time.
About CASCADE FOREST CONSERVANCY
Location:
500 W 8TH ST STE 270, VANCOUVER, WA 98660, US
Mission Statement
The Cascade Forest Conservancy protects and sustains the forests, streams, wildlife, and communities in the heart of the Cascades through conservation, education, and advocacy.
Description
Cascade Forest Conservancy is working to see that our region is one where native life-flora, fauna, microbes, and the entire biota-thrive in healthy biodiverse forest and aquatic ecosystems. We strive to protect and restore ecosystems in our region that also respect the needs of the many communities who care about the health and sustainability of the area, including Indigenous tribes and nations, those who come to enjoy outdoor recreation opportunities, and communities and businesses depending on the tourism and timber the forest provides.
We value collaboration and partnership. We work closely with groups and agencies that represent a broad range of perspectives to achieve solutions that benefit all. We serve as a leader, convener, and partner in conservation efforts alongside researchers, agencies, tribes, and other nonprofits. We prioritize patronizing and working with local contractors and businesses so that resources provided by supporters and foundations stay local and continue to have a positive impact.
Volunteers are also pivotal to our work; without them, we would not be able to achieve all that we do. We offer numerous opportunities through the summer and fall that allow community members to gain hands-on experience with various conservation and restoration projects. Volunteer trips are one to two days over the weekend and occur throughout the Gifford Pinchot National Forest and surrounding areas.
CAUSE AREAS
WHEN
WHERE
Mount AdamsGifford Pinchot National ForestTrout Lake, WA 98650
DATE POSTED
May 14, 2022
SKILLS
GOOD FOR
N/A
REQUIREMENTS
- 12 total hours over the course of 2 days