OSU Extension forester Jake Barker interviews Becca Shively of Sustainable Northwest about post-fire recovery and restoration after Oregon’s 2020 wildfires, focusing on the Western Oregon Cascades Recovery Effort (WOCRE). Shively explains Sustainable Northwest’s forestry work and describes WOCRE’s landowner assistance program, which provides intensive technical support and financial help to small family forest landowners facing barriers such as limited seedling access, lack of capacity after trauma, contractor shortages, and cost-share requirements. She outlines how the program aggregates bulk seedling orders and bundled contractor bids, pays contractors directly, and coordinates with conservation districts, USDA NRCS RCPP funding, a Forest Service grant funded through the Inflation Reduction Act, and American Forests for seedlings. The program will serve 40 landowners across Clackamas, Marion, Lane, and Jackson counties, treating about 2,000 acres, and has faced federal funding disruptions and staffing constraints.
This media record is part of a series:
In the Woods
“In the Woods” is a monthly podcast series brought to you by the Oregon State University Forestry & Natural Resources Extension program. This podcast brings the forest to listeners by sharing the stories and interviews of forest scientists, land managers, and enthusiastic members of the public. Each month we will bring you research and science-based information on a new topic related to forests that aims to offer some insight into what we know and are still learning about forest science and management. Click here for the "In the Woods" podcast homepage.
Media Record Details
Apr 7, 2026