OAKS UNDER THREAT
There are four main reasons why we are losing oak habitat so rapidly.
Conversion: Loss of habitat is primarily due to conversion to vineyards, cropland, or subdivisions.
Lack of fire: Without periodic burns, oak habitat becomes overtopped by conifers.
Invasives: Invasive plant species such as blackberry, English ivy, and hawthorne outcompete oak and understory species for resources
Lack of awareness: There is a general lack of awareness of the specific need for the preservation and management of oak; we are losing a lot of oak due to benign neglect.
Did You Know?
In the Willamette Valley, 98% of the remaining oak habitat is under private ownership. Landowners will play an essential role in ensuring the survival of these iconic trees and the species that depend on them.
WILLAMETTE VALLEY DISTRIBUTION OF HABITATS
Historic (1850)
Current (2004)
