Upending the Conventional Wisdom on the Role of Fire and Old-Growth in the PNW

How did the majestic forests of the Pacific Northwest come to be?That may seem like an esoteric question, but if we want to know how to protect and steward them as we enter the chaotic era of the climate crisis, it’s a question worth askingNew research by University of Oregon researcher James Johnston is upending a big part of the conventional wisdom around the key role fire plays in the lifecycle of our forests. James is an Assistant Research Professor in U of O’s Institute for Resilient Organizations, Communities, and Environments.

This is a surprisingly fun and fascinating dive into the ecology and politics of forest stewardship on westside forests!

Special thanks to Beth Sheppard for co-hosting today's episode.

Show Notes:

https://www.klcc.org/environment/2026-02-08/university-of-oregon-research-overturns-long-held-ideas-about-forest-fires-in-the-western-cascades

https://esajournals.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/ecs2.70474

https://morethanjustparks.substack.com/p/breaking-trump-administration-orders

https://www.instagram.com/coastrangeradio/