What are Natural and Working Lands? (from Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife)
In Oregon, natural and working lands span forests, rangelands, wetlands, farmlands, and estuaries, and they form the foundation of the state’s ecological health, cultural identity, and rural economy. These lands support biodiversity, regulate water and air quality, store carbon, and provide food, lumber, and habitat. They are home to diverse ecosystems such as sagebrush steppe, oak savannah, and coastal estuaries, which sustain fish and wildlife populations and serve as critical buffers against the impacts of climate change. Working lands, including farms and ranches, are often managed in ways that support conservation values while contributing to local economies and food systems. Natural and working lands represent vital spaces that must be protected and stewarded to maintain Oregon’s resilience and quality of life for future generations.
Find more information about the science of Working Lands in the Pacific Northwest:
- N&W Lands Resources | Institute for Natural Resources | Oregon State University
- Land-Based Net Carbon Inventory
- Forests and Farms Can Fight Climate Change
- Working Lands for Wildlife
- BoA_Rangelands_NWL.pdf
- NWL Board of Ag_FINAL.pdf
- Working+Lands+Guidebook+November+2021.pdf
- Beavers can convert stream corridors to persistent carbon sinks
Oregon's Climate Action Commission has a Natural & Working Lands Advisory Committee that has produced documents for technical guidance about many of the Working Lands that exist within CTUIR's Ceded Lands: 2023-Natural-Working-Lands-Report.pdf
We will be posting videos from our Working Lands Science Lecture Session soon! Sneak peek with our Friday April 17th Carbon Crafternoon