Oak policy and management in California: Spanish origins and future considerations

Abstract

The development of goals and policies for Californian oak woodlands is reviewed; then some important considerations for future policy development are highlighted. California and Spain share long and illuminating histories of human interaction with oak woodlands. The Integrated Hardwood Range Management Program, initiated about 1985, was a focal point for Californian research and policy, but also created connections among researchers, advisors, conservation organizations, and agencies. As the program's funding ran out, those constituencies continued to strengthen relationships through grassroots organizations like the California Rangeland Conservation Coalition. We highlight four aspects of conservation policy and management for oak woodlands that are important as we move forward. These include thinking about the impact of policies and management initiatives at multiple spatial and temporal scales, avoiding policy conflicts and acknowledging tradeoffs, having awareness that most ecosystem services are really social-ecological services, and managing for multiple functions and processes instead of drifting back into single purpose management thereby reducing production of other important services.

Parent Publication

• Proceedings of the seventh California oak symposium: managing oak woodlands in a dynamic world

Citation

Bartolome, James W.; Huntsinger, Lynn. 2015. Oak policy and management in California: Spanish origins and future considerations. In: Standiford, Richard B.; Purcell, Kathryn L., tech. cords. Proceedings of the seventh California oak symposium: managing oak woodlands in a dynamic world. Gen. Tech. Rep. PSW-GTR-251. Berkeley, CA: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Pacific Southwest Research Station: 49-58.