Upper Rogue Oak Initiative
Klamath Siskiyou Oak Network’s (KSON) Upper Rogue Oak Initiative (UROI) will restore over 3,000 acres of oak habitat within three watersheds east and northeast of White City and Medford, Oregon. Work will occur throughout the Little Butte Watershed and may extend north as far as the Big Butte Watershed. Restoration will remove conifers that are crowding oaks, use prescribed fire where feasible, reduce noxious weeds, and reestablish a native understory.
This initiative will also showcase Table Rocks as KSON’s keystone site, including continued restoration, demonstrations, and public engagement opportunities. UROI is a partnership of tribal, federal, state, non-profit, and private landowners. It is made possible by funding from the Oregon Watershed Enhancement Board, America the Beautiful Challenge, and matching dollars from the Bureau of Land Management and other KSON partners for a total of 13 million dollars.
Healthy oak and prairie habitats protect our landscapes and our way of life. The significant loss of oaks in vast areas of the state raises the importance of maintaining and restoring the widespread and substantial remaining oak woodlands in southern Oregon. While they present the greatest opportunity for long-term conservation of the habitat and cultural values of oak systems, they are in need of restoration.
Upper Rogue Oak Initiative Partners
