University of California

Oak Woodland Management

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Welcome!

For over 25 years the University of California has been deeply involved in conducting research and outreach focused on conserving California’s native oaks. Beginning in 1986 UC was a key player in the establishment of the Integrated Hardwood Range Management Program (IHRMP), a statewide Program whose stated goal was to maintain, and where possible, increase acreage of California's hardwood range resources to provide wildlife habitat, recreational opportunities, wood and livestock products, high quality water supply, and aesthetic value.Two other state agencies -- the California Department of Fish and Game and Cal Fire -- were also official collaborators on this Program.

The IHRMP officially ended in 2009, but the University of California Oak Woodland Conservation Workgroup (OWCW) continues to address the basic mission of oak conservation within the UC system. Workgroups are designed to foster collaboration on specific issues across the continuum of academics within UC. They bring together campus-based faculty, specialists and county advisors so that research needs can be identified and research-based information can quickly be delivered to local clientele.

On the left navigation bar are a number of oak-related subject areas that the University is continuing to address. Click on the subject of interest to view brief descriptions of research and educational activities taking place, and links to related materials and web sites.

UC Delivers Information About Oak Woodlands

For nearly 100 years, there has been concern that several native California oak species are not regenerating adequately to sustain populations. Inadequate regeneration could adversly affect woodlands, resulting in conversions to shrub fields or bare pastures. A principal factor believed to significantly contribute to poor oak regeneration in California is livestock grazing. Since approximately 80% of California's oak woodlands are privately owned and the principal activity on many of these lands is livestock grazing, it is vital to understand how oaks can be regenerated in the presence of livestock. Such information will help ensure that our oak woodlands remain healthy and productive.

Read about: Oak Seedlings Can Be Established on Grazed Rangelands | View Other Stories

Listen to a Webinar

All webinar segments were taped for the Oak Webinar Series hosted by UCCE Forest Specialists and Advisors in collaboration with University of California Agriculture and Natural Resources Division. Click below for an overview of the Oak Woodlands in California.

Overview of Oak Woods in California. Presented by Greg Giusti, UCCE Forest Advisor

Upcoming Events

Beef and Range Field Day - UC Sierra Foothill Research & Extension Center, Friday May 18, 2012

COMPLETED! Planner's Guidelines for Oak Woodlands Webinar Series

View our Oak Management Webinar Segments

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Oak Related Publications

BRAND NEW!! Revised Version of Living Among the Oaks [Free]

Regenerating Rangeland Oaks in California [FREE]

Oaks in the Urban Landscape

Oak Woodland's Planner's Guide

Oak Woodland Impact Decision Matrix

Fire in California's Oak Woodlands [FREE]

Small Parcel Landowner's Guide to Woodland Management [FREE]

New Pest Threaten’s California' s Oaks - the Gold Spotted Borer [FREE]

Oak Woodland Conservation in California's Changing Landscape [FREE]

Oak Woodland Blog

Droughts: A Challenge to Ranching in Oak Woodlands

Most of the oak woodlands in California are privately owned. The major use of Oak Woodlands is for grazing, primarily for beef cattle. The ranching industry plays an important role in maintaining a sustainable, culturally meaningful, and ecologically...

Posted on Friday, March 9, 2012 at 4:01 PM

Author: Royce Larsen
Editor: Sophie Kolding

Early Leaf-out a bit of a Mystery

Towards the end of January, an unusual phenomenon occurred in the Sierra foothills - some of the blue oaks began leafing out. While the vast majority of trees remained leafless, one could see occasional light-green canopies interspersed with their bare...

Posted on Monday, February 27, 2012 at 11:22 AM

Author: Douglas McCreary
Editor: Sophie Kolding

Vegetation affects on Water Yield, Learning from the Past

This year’s delayed “rainy season” in much of California has left many seasonal water sources for wildlife and livestock dry and kept many of the state’s water reservoirs low. If the “rainy season” progresses without rain we may find ourselves thinking...

Posted on Thursday, February 16, 2012 at 11:25 AM

Author: Sheila Barry
Author: Sophie Kolding