September 2022
The Vision for future management of Jackson Demonstration Forest was released at the Jackson Advisory Group (JAG) meeting at Camp One in August.
A New Vision for Jackson Demonstration Forest

Building on great work already underway, California’s largest demonstration state forest will launch a new vision for how the forest will be managed in the coming years. A key piece of this: embracing the forest’s important role as a demonstration and research forest, providing the state and country critical scientific information about forest restoration and management in the age of climate change. As this new vision rolls out, previously reviewed, approved, and contracted forest management operations will continue providing wood products, jobs and research opportunities for the Mendocino County region and beyond.
CAL FIRE and staff from N5 Sensors install remote sensing technology at JDSF. These tests will help determine if the sensors would be a viable solution to complement the ALERT Wildfire camera network for early detection and observation of fires and other potentially hazardous conditions.
RESEARCH: CAL FIRE Tests Remote Sensing Technology at Jackson

Embracing JDSF's role as a living laboratory for research and innovation, the CAL FIRE Research, Development, and Innovation (RDI) team is exploring a range of solutions related to remote sensing devices, particularly for detecting smoke, gas, humidity, temperature and other indicators of fire and potentially hazardous conditions in and near the forest.

Recently, the RDI team worked with a vendor, N5 Sensors, to deploy several of these devices at JDSF in a variety of locations and have begun receiving valuable data. 
Crews use a log skidder to place large woody debris into Hare Creek. Note the location wedged between the redwood and tanoak on the bank to protect the log from moving downstream during high flows.  
RESTORATION: Hare Creek Habitat Enhancement Project will improve instream habitat for fish and other species

As we come to the end of summer, the low flow conditions in Hare Creek provide a great window to add Large Woody Debris (LWD) that improves fish and wildlife habitat and stream health. Blencowe Watershed Management will begin work this week on the Hare Creek Mainstem Instream Habitat Enhancement Project, which will wrap up the second and final year of the project and place 185 pieces of large wood in 97 unique locations along nearly three miles of the creek.
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An example of a completed Timber Harvest Plan. In addition to timber harvesting, sustainable timber harvest plans at Jackson include thinning projects, fuel breaks, and road and culvert enhancements, that provide for community protection and forest health, similar to the THP pictured here.
RESEARCH: Timber Harvest Plans. What are they and what do they really look like?

Timber Harvest Plans, or "THPs," are comprehensive environmental review documents that organize, coordinate, and outline any type of sustainable wood or timber production operation on state and private property, including JDSF. Compared to other states, the relatively smaller-scale timber operations we see in California are vetted through numerous regulatory agencies for compliance with environmental regulations and other restoration and conservation opportunities and any potential wildlife impacts. To note, all regulatory requirements must be met for proposed plans to move forward.

At JDSF, the THP is first reviewed in a public process with the Jackson Advisory Group (scroll to the bottom of the page for more info) before it is submitted to the state for an official public review process. Once the plan is approved, a variety of different monitors and staff keep watch to ensure the THP is executed according to the plan and regulatory requirements. Check out this easy-to-read infographic for more information on the process and how it works.
Ca Sil Xale Dah: A popular trail now has a name, thanks to collaborative work with tribal partners

“Ca Sil Xale Dah” has been chosen as the new name for the trail that starts at the Caspar Scales Trailhead and parallels Road 500. The name was chosen by Valerie Stanley, Tribal Historic Preservation Officer and Tribal Elder, Sherwood Valley Band of Pomo Indians, and has the support of the Coyote Valley Band of Pomo Indians. She, and sister Georgina Sanders, Tribal Elder, Sherwood Valley, recently met in the forest with Mendocino Coast Cyclist president Dan Sweet, Recreation Supervisor Erik Wahl, and other CAL FIRE officials to discuss the naming of the previously unnamed trail.
 
The new name, “Ca Sil Xale Dah” translates from Northern Pomo to Redwood Tree Path. An official naming ceremony will be scheduled soon. We're proud to continue this partnership and collaboration with our tribal partners.
The Oregon Ensantina salamander is one of the most common terrestrial salamanders found in Mendocino County. At left, an adult Ensantina salamander, and at right, a juvenile, both found in the Hare Creek watershed at JDSF.
We met up with Robert in the heart of JDSF where he found an Ensantina salamander and told our young friend about their habitat.
Into the Woods with Ecologist Robert Douglas
CAL FIRE Wildlife biologist Robert Douglas spends his days, and sometimes his nights, in the Jackson Demonstration State Forest, observing and collecting data on the flora and fauna.

The Oregon Ensatina salamander (Ensatina eschscholtzii oregonensis) is one of the most common terrestrial salamanders found in Mendocino County. It is one of seven subspecies forming a species complex that extends from British Columbia south through Washington, Oregon, and California. California hosts all seven subspecies, which are distinctly distributed in the mountain ranges circumscribing the Central Valley of California and into the mountain ranges of southern California.