Study: Buffer zones, better regulation needed to prevent agricultural pollution in rivers, streams

Greater buffer zones around bodies of water and more consistent enforcement of water protection regulations are needed to reduce agriculture-based pollution in the Western U.S., a recent review from Oregon State University found.

Removal of barred owls slows decline of iconic spotted owls in Pacific Northwest, study finds

A 17-year study in Oregon, Washington and California found that removal of invasive barred owls arrested the population decline of the northern spotted owl, a native species threatened by invading barred owls and the loss of old-forest habitats.

Peace accord in Colombia has increased deforestation of biologically-diverse rainforest

Since the end of the long-running conflict in Colombia, large areas of forest have been rapidly converted to agricultural uses, suggesting the peace agreement presents a threat to conservation the country’s rainforest, a new study from Oregon State University shows.

Partial shade from solar panels increase abundance of flowers in late summer

A new study by Oregon State University researchers found that shade provided by solar panels increased the abundance of flowers under the panels and delayed the timing of their bloom, both findings that could aid the agricultural community.

Master's thesis wins top landscape ecology honor

Oregon State University master’s graduate Kate Halstead has been honored by the North American Chapter of the International Association of Landscape Ecology for her thesis, “Using a species-centered approach to predict bird community responses to habitat fragmentation.”

As lumber prices skyrocket, Oregon State professor develops method to predict future price changes

At a time when lumber prices are skyrocketing, an Oregon State University researcher has developed a new way to predict the future price of logs that uses readily accessible economic information.

Webinar series launches to prepare Oregonians for wildfire season

The “Wildfire Wednesdays” webinar series launches March 17 with a noon-1 p.m. presentation by Extension’s Forestry and Natural Resources Program’s Fire Program team. Webinars are scheduled for March 31, April 14, April 28, May 19, June 2 and June 16.

Researchers demonstrate new method to track genetic diversity of salmon, trout

Scientists at Oregon State University and the U.S. Forest Service have demonstrated that DNA extracted from water samples from rivers across Oregon and Northern California can be used to estimate genetic diversity of Pacific salmon and trout.

Researchers ‘cautiously optimistic’ about desert bighorn sheep recovery in California’s Mojave Desert

Desert bighorn sheep in the Mojave National Preserve in California and surrounding areas appear to be more resilient than previously thought to a respiratory disease that killed dozens of them and sickened many more in 2013, a new study has found.

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