In this episode of ‘In the Woods’ by Oregon State University’s Extension Service, host Jake Barker discusses assisted migration and assisted gene flow with Jess Shamek, a field botanist and researcher focused on the adaptive capacity of Oregon White Oak. The conversation covers the definitions and importance of these practices in the context of climate change, best management practices, and the interconnectedness of forestry, farming, and ecology. They also discuss several tools and frameworks, such as the RAD framework, ClimateNA, and the Seed-lot Selection Tool, for planning and decision-making in forest management. Throughout the episode, there is an emphasis on understanding the risks, increasing genetic and species diversity, and learning from past introductions of non- native plants.

”I work with a lot of land managers who ask questions like ‘Should I be doing this? Should we be doing assisted migration, and should we be doing assisted gene flow?’” – Dr. Jess Shamek

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Resources Mentioned

• Climate Adapted Plant Materials Working Group – If people want to contact me or join the group, theycan reach out to the listserv email for the Climate Adapted Plant Materials Working Group: capm_portland_vancouver@gaggle.email
• Oregon State University Forestry and Natural Resources Extension
• Oregon Forest Resources Institute
• In the Woods Podcast

Favorite Tree(s)

• Oregon White Oak (Quercus garryana)

Interesting/Helpful Tools (and cold 🍕)

• Seedlot Selection Tool – characterize the local climates of seed sources and planting sites, including past climates and future climates given different climate change models. https://seedlotselectiontool.org/sst/
• Resist-Accept-Direct Framework – a decision-making tool for managers and forest owners when working in ecosystems undergoing transformation. https://www.usgs.gov/programs/cooperative-researchunits/rad-resist-accept-direct-framework
• Climate NA – Web or desktop application to download spatial data for future and historic climatic conditions. University of British Columbia. https://climatena.ca/mapversion

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