October 2022
Researchers from Cal Poly Humboldt and University of California Cooperative Extension train JDSF Forestry Aides on data collection techniques for a new study in the coast redwood forest environment.
RESEARCH: First-of-its-kind collaborative fire mitigation study kicking off at Jackson Demonstration State Forest 

As part of JDSF’s unique role as a living laboratory and as an effort to better understand how fuel treatments impact a redwood forest ecosystem, CAL FIRE and a diverse group of forest and fire scientists from Cal Poly Humboldt, University of California Berkeley, and the University of California Cooperative Extension have started a broad-ranging fire mitigation study to learn more about how the work we do can help prevent or mitigate fires in the future. The first of its kind undertaken nationally in a redwood forest setting, the new study will aim to measure and analyze fire mitigation variables across the JDSF.
Donald Bone and a friend ride their horses on the Sweet Pea trail. The trail has been upgraded with a new bridge to protect one of the many water crossings. The new bridge capable of handling people, bikes and horses, making it accessible to all users.
RECREATION: Thanks to the work of many, Sweet Pea Trail now accessible to more community members

Installation of an equestrian bridge on the proposed Sweet Pea Trail began in late September. Unit Assistant Chief Brandon Gunn directed Chamberlain Creek Crew #5 to help make it happen, transporting 60 pieces of large wood ranging 6-12 feet in length along approximately 1.5 miles of single-track trail. Bridge abutments and stringers were established, with the remaining work will be completed by next month.

After installation, the Sweet Pea Trail will become official and added to JDSF’s Recreation Maps for public use, providing another benefit for both Mendocino County residents and Californians statewide. This is part of a productive and ongoing effort in cooperation with the Mendocino Coast Cyclists to establish a trail along 3.7-miles of abandoned Road 630 and funded by direct reinvestment of timber sales back into the forest. Installation of fiberglass posts with decals denoting trail names is also underway to help recreation users better navigate the forest.
The Little Red Schoolhouse, located between Fort Bragg and Willits on Hwy 20, shown here today and then before restoration.
RESTORATION: Learning from the past while looking to the future. The historic Caspar Woods Schoolhouse, or the Little Red Schoolhouse, restored at JDSF 

JDSF is rich with history and the restoration of the Little Red Schoolhouse is a great opportunity to learn more about the area’s past. The foundation, roof, front porch and windows of the schoolhouse have been replaced. Since the building is considered a historical building, the restoration had to be as close to the original as possible.  

This schoolhouse was in operation between 1915-1955 and made in three segments so that it could be transported, via railroad, further inland as timber camps moved inland. The schoolhouse is located at Camp 20, the halfway point between Willits and Fort Bragg, on Hwy 20. The public is invited to visit and enjoy this beautifully restored schoolhouse. 
Private forest landowners recently spent the day at JDSF learning about several forest management demonstrations that could potentially be replicated on their properties. Jackson serves as a living laboratory for research and demonstrations that inform private landowners throughout the Redwood Region and beyond.
DEMONSTRATION: Forestry group and forest landowners spend the day at JDSF, sharing

Jackson staff welcomed the Forest Landowners of California (FLC) last month for a field day to showcase best practices and the unique research and demonstration opportunities of the past, present, and future at JDSF, and how these efforts can benefit forest landowners and managers across the state. 
As part of the JDSF management plan, nearly 33% of the forest is designated as an Older Forest Structure Zone. These areas consist of silvicultural prescriptions such as no harvest zones, including the few remaining old growth groves and late seral development prescriptions.
How protecting the "Older Forest Structure Zone" at JDSF elevates conservation, restoration, research, and demonstration in the redwood ecosystem 

In case you missed it, the California state demonstration forest system protects and conserves thousands of acres through its role as California's living laboratory. In addition to the near dozen old growth groves that are permanently protected at JDSF, the Older Forest Structure Zone (OFSZ) produces structural characteristics of older forests, which include large trees, snags, down logs, multiple canopy layers, and a high level of structural diversity. 
Carbon sequestration and storage are both important elements of the redwood ecosystem as well as management of the forest at JDSF. Demonstrating a resilient forest requires understanding the different functions of both the sequestration and storage of carbon.
Carbon Sequestration and Carbon Storage at JDSF 

What is the difference between carbon storage and carbon sequestration and how do these two activities play out at JDSF? The JDSF is a valuable resource when it comes to both the storage and sequestration of carbon and the forest’s management is well poised to lead the way for the rest of the state on balancing natural resource management needs while conserving ecosystems.

Carbon storage occurs in trees’ bole, branches, roots, and soil and is most secure in ecosystems that are resilient to disturbances. Carbon sequestration occurs through photosynthesis when trees combine CO2 from the atmosphere with water from soil and convert them to oxygen and sugars using the power of the sun. Healthy growing trees can sequester large amounts of carbon while carbon storage is associated with old growth. To demonstrate a climate resilient forest, both older forest structure (storage) and vigorously growing (sequestration) trees are needed to mitigate climate change and enhance other resources. 
ANNOUNCMENTS

Working to prevent catastrophic fire while improving the ecosystem and supporting cultural practices. Prescribed burning at JDSF scheduled through the end of next week
CAL FIRE is conducting a large broadcast burn, located east of Fort Bragg and north of Parlin Fork Conservation Camp at 23000 State Highway 20. Smoke will be visible in the area. Burning is planned for Monday, October 17, 2022, through Friday, October 28, 2022, 12 noon to 5 p.m. each day, weather and air quality conditions permitting.  

Prescribed burning and fire prevention and mitigation are top priorities for CAL FIRE foresters and staff and this burn aims to reintroduce fire as a natural element of the ecosystem. Another top goal involves improving wildlife habitat by inducing new shoots from sprouting species to increase forage production, with islands of unburned fuel left within the burned area to provide shelter for small mammals. The burn will reduce overall vegetation helping to decrease the chance of catastrophic wildfires in the future. Lastly, this prescribed fire will burn through several of the 15 fire effects monitoring plots installed by UC Cooperative Extension allowing researchers to monitor them post fire.
Start your outdoor career as a State Forest Aide. Applications are now open for JDSF and several other demonstration state forests across California.
Become a Jackson Demonstration State Forest Aide 
Find your place outdoors, get a true understanding of forestry, and join us in the woods. CAL FIRE is recruiting approximately 20 Forestry Aides at JDSF and across the Boggs Mountain, Latour, and Mountain Home State Forests. Students looking for summer positions, graduate students and individuals who meet the minimum qualifications are encouraged to apply.

Duties include general timber harvest plan field preparation work, timber making, cruising, flagging watercourses, pest control, forest engineering, recreation management, campground maintenance, establishing and measuring sample plots, resource surveys, seed processing, and nursery operations. 

Your adventure in the outdoors begins at Cal Careers below. Apply by October 21, 2022.  
Stay up to date with the latest news, development, and planning at the JDSF.
The Jackson Demonstration State Forest Advisory Group’s (JAG) next meeting is scheduled for November 15, 2022 
Stay tuned to the JDSF website for the November 15 agenda and documents to be posted no later than November 4. For more information on the JAG, its members, purpose, and to see details of previous meetings click the link below.  
As the wet season sets in, help us protect our roads and campgrounds from erosion.
Seasonal closures now in effect at Jackson Demonstration Forest to protect against erosion and other impacts
As of Monday, October 10, all State Forest campgrounds and roads (with some exceptions, see link below) will be closed to unauthorized public vehicle traffic. Roads may still be used for hiking, biking, and horseback riding. As we move into the wet season the seasonal closure helps to protect our roads and campgrounds as rutting and erosion causes both road and stream damage. Roads and campgrounds are expected to re-open in spring 2023.