With the recent 2022 midterm election in the books, we can take stock of what might change and what we can expect from newly elected leaders. Will they drive an agenda that will impact the forests, rivers, and wildlife in the Rogue River Basin and Klamath-Siskiyou Region?
Read MoreThe Biden Administration is currently participating in the United Nations Climate Change Conference (known as COP 27) and will help lead the world on climate action. Now is the time for the Biden Administration to set an example of what policy can look like to permanently protect mature and old-growth forests as a solution to climate change.
Read MoreWe have recapped the 2022 wildfire’s in the Klamath-Siskiyou region. Please see the bottom of this blog for ways in which you can contribute to the relief efforts for those people and communities most impacted.
Read MoreKS Wild co-sponsored the local premier of Elemental alongside partners because we need more meaningful conversations about wildfire in our communities. Even if you did not see the film, we hope you will find the following information useful as our communities continue to grapple with the challenges we will all face from climate-enhanced wildfire in the years ahead.
Read MoreCheck out all the progress our incredible volunteer stewards have been able to accomplish lately!
Read MoreAs the McKinney Fire continues to sweep through northern California, resources are being compiled to issue aid to aid our community members, provide up-to-date information on evacuations and road closures, and supply smoke and fire updates.
Read MoreSummer is here and our PLAY (Public Lands and You) Stewardship Program is working hard to protect and restore the important Eight Dollar Mountain Botanical Area for the fifth consecutive year.
Read MorePrescribed fire can have many benefits. It can reduce fine fuels, brush and small trees and reduce subsequent fire severity. It can help forests become more resilient in the face of climate change. Read more about prescribed fire policy at this KS Wild Blog Post .
Read MoreOn Earth Day, President Biden issued an Executive Order that directs federal forest managers to protect mature and old growth forests. Here’s a breakdown of the Executive Order’s details and how you can get involved in protecting these important giants.
Read MoreOld-growth forests are dominated by ancient trees and have been shaped by natural processes over the course of hundreds of years. There are several types of old-growth forests throughout the Pacific Northwest marked by dynamic ecosystems supporting biodiversity that relies on the unique environment created only in these ancient forests. Learn more about what features make an old-growth forest.
Read MoreKS Wild and our allies recently challenged the BLM’s (now withdrawn) Lost Antelope timber sale. This timber sale would have contributed to increased fire hazard near or within the WUI through regeneration harvest in an area where many untreated slash piles remain from a previous timber sale.
Read MoreThe US Forest Service recently announced a 10-year, multibillion-dollar plan to reduce wildfire risk on up to 50 million acres that border vulnerable communities throughout the country. Read KS Wild’s summary of the plan and how it will impact our work and our region.
Read More"Integrated Vegetation Management for Resilient Lands" (IVM) sure sounds great doesn't it? Unfortunately, those flowery words are agency-speak for logging old-growth forest reserves down to 30% canopy cover and creating four-acre mini-clearcuts across the landscape in southwestern Oregon.
Read MoreAmerica’s road network, as currently designed, is a major impediment to wildlife migration. The passage of HB 4130-1 in the legislature this year is particularly important to the prospect of building wildlife crossing in our region. Read more about KS Wild’s work as a partner in the Southern Oregon Wildlife Crossing Coalition (SOWCC), focusing on improved wildlife passages on Interstate 5 between Ashland and the California state line along the Siskiyou Crest.
Read MoreAfter nearly a year of negotiations, an agreement over new rules for the Oregon Forest Practices Act has been reached between timber and environmental groups to overhaul management of 10 million acres of private forestlands in Oregon. These changes will update Oregon's forest practice laws and provide significant new protections for our imperiled salmon, recreational and commercial fisheries, and for the communities that rely on these resources.
Read MoreWhile Senators and the White House determine a path forward on infrastructure and other climate-related bills, efforts to expand protections for wildlands and wildlife continue on the side with Senator Ron Wyden and Senator Jeff Merkley of Oregon.
Read MoreIn order to adapt to climate change and increased wildfire severity, we need new policies based on climate adaptation for both our communities and our landscapes. While much more needs to be done, as a result of engaged and vocal residents, some of our elected officials are taking action. Here is a rundown of the actions being considered and taken by political leaders at the local, state and federal levels that could help us adapt to the increased risk of wildfire.
Read MoreAs a part of KS Wild’s efforts to advance natural solutions to climate change, we are advocating for the recovery of beaver. These aquatic rodents are a keystone species—their life cycle allows other species to thrive—and their natural dams help native fish and other species adapt to climate change.
Read MoreA guest post from Tate Oliva, the Climate Program Youth Science Intern this past winter. Through Tate’s internship, she learned how climate change is effecting the ecosystems of the Klamath-Siskiyou. Combining her passion for photography and being outdoors in nature, Tate captured photographs of the many ecosystems in the area to be used in KS Wild’s climate smart advocacy, which aims to address how climate-smart conservation practices can be applied in the region.
Read MoreIn early April, KS Wild staff members were invited to a community prescribed burn located in the Applegate Valley. This burn was put together by professional wildland firefighters, curious community members, and volunteers. With fire season right around the corner, this was a great opportunity to learn how to prepare your property for wildfire.
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