KS Wild’s Climate program is shaping policies and local practices to best prepare the Klamath-Siskiyou region for climate change that threatens the biological diversity and watershed health of the region. Climate impacts in the region include the increased risk of uncharacteristic wildfire, severe summer droughts, and habitat loss for at-risk species.
Natural Climate Solutions
Forests offer the single greatest natural solution to climate change. Deforestation from clearcut and old-growth logging continues to threaten the ecology of the earth. Old-growth forests of the Pacific Northwest, including those in the Klamath-Siskiyou, store more carbon than nearly any other ecosystem on earth. Protecting the rich carbon stores in large, old trees would equal over 20% of global carbon pollution.
Wildfire
Wildfire in the era of climate change is changing the game. Wildfire is an absolutely essential ecosystem process in the forests of the Klamath-Siskiyou. Fire has shaped and benefited every forest in the region and has been used by Indigenous tribes since time immemorial. As climate change warms and dries out the landscape, we must restore our forests and adapt our communities to the increasing threat of climate fires. Preparing our forests for fire is essential; thinning and managing with fire creates a more sustainable forest in the face of wildfire, whereas monoculture tree plantations burn hotter in wildfire and will have a more dire outcome for forest longevity and health.
Climate Smart Conservation
Public lands in the region are home to some of the most biologically rich forests in the world. KS Wild is advancing on-the-ground projects that store carbon and support climate adapted landscapes, while we work to make environmental policies “climate smart.”
Fire Resources
KS Wild's Fire Dashboard is a place for resources and updates on ways you can prepare and stay up-to-date with all the latest wildfire and smoke updates, data, and forecasts.
NEW! Updated Forest & Fire Toolkit:
Click on the image to view and download a copy of the Toolkit.
A resources for living in the fire-prone landscapes of the Siskiyou mountains
The Forest & Fire Toolkit is a ‘one stop shop’ for all the resources you need to acquaint yourself with the forests of the Siskiyou region and how to prepare your home for a wildfire. Included is invaluable resources on how to take part in public and private industrial forest decision-making and insights to gain a better understanding of the role fire plays in these forests. Most importantly, this Toolkit provides information on how to prepare your family, home and community for a wildfire emergency:
Learn about Indigenous fire management and forest stewardship.
How-to guide on preparing your property for wildfire.
A resource directory of national forest districts, fire districts, and more.
Learn about funding opportunities for home defense.
Plan and be ready for a wildfire emergency and evacuation.
Engage in public and industry forest decision-making.
Learn More About Climate Change in the Klamath-Siskiyou
“Good forest management in a time of rapidly changing climate differs little from good forest management under more static conditions, but there is increased emphasis on protecting climatic refugia and providing connectivity.”
―REED NOSS, “Beyond Kyoto” (2002)
Episodes Out Now!
Click the image to listen to KS Wild’s podcast on fire in the era of climate change.