Institute for Resilient Organizations, Communities, and Environments (IROCE)

Permanent URI for this community

https://hdl.handle.net/1794/13125

The Institute for Resilient Organizations, Communities, and Environments (IROCE) at the University of Oregon links, leverages, and aligns applied social science research and resources to help organizations and communities adapt and thrive in the face of adversity.

Note: The organization was formerly known as The Institute for a Sustainable Environment

For more information, visit the web site at: https://resilient.uoregon.edu

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Open Access
Climate Change Health Preparedness in Oregon: an Assessment of Awareness, Preparation and Resource Needs for Potential Public Health Risks Associated with Climate Change
(2009-04) Climate Leadership Initiative; Oregon Coalition of Local Health Officials; Vynne, Stacy, 1979-; Doppelt, Bob
This report describes the findings of a survey of Oregon public health workers with the objective of determining their current knowledge of, level of preparation for, and the resources and training they believe are needed to respond to the health risks associated with climate change. The survey was distributed to public health workers across the state of Oregon in December 2008.
Open Access
Executive Summary: Preparing for Climate Change in the Klamath Basin of Southern Oregon and Northern California
(2010-01) Climate Leadership Initiative; Barr, Brian R.; Koopman, Marni E.; Williams, Cindy Deacon; Doppelt, Bob; Hamilton, Roger; Vynne, Stacy, 1979-
The Klamath Basin of southern Oregon and northern California is rich in history, culture, and natural resources. This report explores how the local communities and natural resources of the Klamath Basin are expected to be affected by climate change and identifies approaches to preparing for such changes. Many impacts from climate change are already becoming apparent, such as an increasing average global temperature, rising sea levels, earlier snow melt, loss of snow pack, and changing precipitation patterns and storm frequency. Without severe cuts in greenhouse gas emissions, these impacts and others will continue to accelerate and negatively affect local communities and natural resources. While efforts to reduce emissions of greenhouse gases are essential to prevent the most severe impacts, we must also take proactive steps to prepare for the impacts of climate change already inevitable due to emissions that have previously been released. This report is the result of a collaborative effort. The USDA Forest Service Pacific Northwest Research Station developed projections for the potential future climate of the Klamath Basin. The University of Oregon’s Climate Leadership Initiative and the National Center for Conservation Science & Policy presented these projections to local leaders and experts in the Klamath Basin through a series of workshops. Leaders and experts used these climate projections to identify likely changes to natural (aquatic and terrestrial species and habitats), built (infrastructure), economic (agriculture, forestry, business, etc), human (health, educators, and emergency services), and tribal (resources of cultural and indigenous community importance) systems. The leaders and experts then developed recommended strategies and actions to prepare communities and natural resources for those changes.
Open Access
Innovative Jobs-in-the-Woods Projects
(Ecosystem Workforce Program, Institute for a Sustainable Environment, University of Oregon, 1996) Taylor, Cynthia H.
On April 2, 1993, President Clinton convened the Forest Summit in Portland, Oregon to learn first hand about the environmental, social and economic ramifications of changes in federal forest management in the Pacific Northwest. Out of this effort arose the Northwest Economic Adjustment Initiative (NEAI). The NEAI aims to help workers, businesses, communities, and tribes that have relied on a forest products - based economy to adjust to changing economic conditions. The NEAT addresses four program areas of worker/community assistance: workers and families, business and industry, communities and infrastructure, ecosystem investment. The Ecosystem Investment Team (EIT) was formed to address the ecosystem investment program area. Its mission is to link watershed restoration activities on federal and non-federal lands to dislocated workers and their families and to businesses in affected communities in order to improve social, economic, and environmental outcomes. Congress asserted that, under the ecosystem investment program, four federal agencies would redirect approximately $27 million in 1994 to a new program called Jobs in the Woods (JITW). JITW aims to link priority watershed restoration work with family-wage jobs for dislocated workers in timber-dependent communities.
Open Access
Leading By Example : Emission Reductions in Public Health Agencies
(2010-05) Climate Leadership Initiative; Oregon Coalition of Local Health Officials
Climate change poses a significant and emerging threat to public health.1 Drought, heat waves, flooding, and disease are all exacerbated by climate change. Across the globe, hundreds of thousands of deaths annually have been directly linked to a changing climate, while also indirectly affecting the health of a comparable number of people each year. In 1995, for example, a six-day heat wave in Chicago resulted in 525 heat-related fatalities, 208 deaths from health problems further complicated by heat exposure, and thousands of hospitalizations from heat-related symptoms.2 Public health agencies and organizations can play a vital role in helping to prepare the public for these kinds of impacts, as well as reducing emissions that lead to further changes in our global climate. They are particularly well equipped to serve the most vulnerable populations in our communities such as low-income families who face disproportionate impacts of climate change, while having fewer resources to respond to these changes. In addition to the physical changes that will result from a changing climate, climate change and rising energy prices also have the potential to exacerbate social and health inequities. This manual is a response to those concerns. It provides guidance on how to prioritize and implement the operational changes that allow public agencies to shrink their climate impact, and it also provides guidance about how to demonstrate a commitment to a healthy future.
Open Access
An Overview of Potential Economic Costs to Oregon of a Business-As-Usual Approach to Climate Change
(2009-02-17) Climate Leadership Initiative; Niemi, Ernest G.; Buckley, Mark; Neculae, Cleo; Reich, Sarah
Extensive research shows that Oregon and other western states already have experienced noticeable changes in climate and predicts that more change will occur in the future.1 Much of this change is having and will continue to have negative economic consequences. Some negative effects are readily recognized: warmer stream temperatures during summer stressing salmon and trout populations, prolonged drought destroying farmers’ crops, and rapidly growing insect populations attacking trees. In response, families, businesses, and communities are considering actions that would reduce the emissions of carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases (GHGs) that contribute to climate change. Amid all this activity, many have concluded that such actions should not be undertaken because their costs are too great. They reach this conclusion, however, without first seeing what the costs would be of not taking these actions and allowing climate change to continue unabated.
Open Access
An Overview of Potential Economic Costs to Washington of a Business-As-Usual Approach to Climate Change
(2009-02-17) Climate Leadership Initiative; Niemi, Ernest G.; Buckley, Mark; Neculae, Cleo; Reich, Sarah
Extensive research shows that Washington and other western states already have experienced noticeable changes in climate and predicts that more change will occur in the future.1 Much of this change is having and will continue to have negative economic consequences. Some negative effects are readily recognized: warmer stream temperatures during summer stressing salmon and trout populations, prolonged drought destroying farmers’ crops, and rapidly growing insect populations attacking trees. In response, families, businesses, and communities are considering actions that would reduce the emissions of carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases (GHGs) that contribute to climate change. Amid all this activity, many have concluded that such actions should not be undertaken because their costs are too great. They reach this conclusion, however, without first seeing what the costs would be of not taking these actions and allowing climate change to continue unabated.
Open Access
Preparing for Climate Change in the Klamath Basin
(2010-03) Climate Leadership Initiative; Barr, Brian R.; Koopman, Marni E.; Williams, Cindy Deacon; Vynne, Stacy, 1979-; Hamilton, Roger; Doppelt, Bob; National Center for Conservation Science and Policy
The Klamath Basin of southern Oregon and northern California is rich in history, culture, and natural resources. This report explores how the local communities and natural resources of the Klamath Basin are expected to be affected by climate change and identifies approaches to preparing for such changes. Many of the impacts from climate change are already becoming apparent, such as an increasing average global temperature, rising sea levels, earlier snow melt, loss of snow pack, and changing precipitation patterns and storm frequency. Without severe cuts in greenhouse-gas emissions, these impacts and others will continue to accelerate and negatively affect local communities and natural resources. While efforts to reduce emissions of greenhouse gases are essential to prevent the most severe impacts, we must also take steps to prepare for the impacts of climate change already inevitable due to emissions that have previously been released.
Open Access
Problem solving or social change? : the Applegate and Grand Canyon Forest Partnerships
(U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Rocky Mountain Research Station, 2001) Moseley, Cassandra; KenCairn, Brett; Rocky Mountain Research Station (Fort Collins, Colo.)
Natural resource conflicts have resulted in attempts at better collaboration between public and private sectors. The resulting partnerships approach collaboration either by problem solving through better information and management, or by requiring substantial social change. The Applegate Partnership in Oregon and the Grand Canyon Forest Partnership in Arizona illustrate each approach. These approaches show the formative influences that shape the evolution and activities of a partnership, and show the need for multistakeholder participation.
Open Access
Proceedings from the March 2000 Ecosystem Workforce Forum: Developing Local Industries that Provide Quality Jobs in Ecosystem Management
(Ecosystem Workforce Program, Institute for a Sustainable Environment, University of Oregon, 2000-03) University of Oregon. Ecosystem Workforce Program. Forum
The following proceedings of the March 2000 Ecosystem Workforce Forum represent a milestone event in a series of Forums since 1996. The purpose of the March 2000 Forum was to reflect on the progress that we have made to date and to highlight what we have learned in our efforts to develop local industries that create quality jobs providing ecosystem management services. Moreover, the March 2000 Forum was an opportunity to identify the challenges that still persist so that future efforts can be directed at overcoming these challenges and forward progress is sustained.
Open Access
Projected future conditions in the Lower Willamette River Subbasin of northwest Oregon: Clackamas, Multnomah & Washington counties
(2009-12) Climate Leadership Initiative; Hamilton, Roger; Doppelt, Bob; Adams, Steve; Vynne, Stacy, 1979-
This report is intended to provide an ecological overview of the Subbasin and localized projections of the consequences of climate change in the Lower Willamette Subbasin. It is provided to support climate preparedness and adaptation planning and policy development in the Lower Willamette. The climate change models presented in this report were mapped by scientists at the Oregon Climate Change Research Institute. The Climate Leadership Initiative at the University of Oregon helped develop this summary of the assessment.
Open Access
Projected future conditions in the Mid Willamette River Subbasin of western Oregon: Marion, Polk, Yamhill, Linn and Benton counties
(2010-02) Climate Leadership Initiative; Hamilton, Roger; Doppelt, Bob; Vynne, Stacy, 1979-
This report is intended to provide an ecological overview of the Subbasin and localized projections of the consequences of climate change in the Mid Willamette Subbasin. It is provided to support climate preparedness and adaptation, planning and policy development in the Mid Willamette. The climate change models presented in this report were mapped by scientists at the Oregon Climate Change Research Institute. The Climate Leadership Initiative at the University of Oregon helped develop this summary of the assessment.
Open Access
Ready for Change : Preparing Public Health Agencies for the Impacts of Climate Change
(2010-05) Climate Leadership Initiative; Oregon Coalition of Local Health Officials
Global climate change poses a significant and emerging threat to public health.1 Drought, heat waves, flooding, storm damage and disease are all exacerbated by climate change. Across the globe, hundreds of thousands of deaths annually have been directly linked to the changing climate. It is also indirectly affecting the health of a comparable number of people each year. With programs that reach across a variety of sectors and populations, the public health community can play a pivotal role in preparing communities to cope with the serious and urgent health consequences of climate change. For instance, increased instances of heat illness, spread of vector- and water-borne disease, and heightened mental health stresses. Public health agencies can also set an example for their community by actively reducing the greenhouse gas emissions generated by their facilities and operations that contribute to changes in the global climate. In 2008, the University of Oregon’s Climate Leadership Initiative and the Oregon Coalition of Local Health Officials surveyed Oregon public health departments on their knowledge of climate change, the impacts on public health, actions being taken to prepare for these impacts, and resource needs to take action. Many respondents expressed an interest in taking action to prepare their departments and communities for climate change, but felt they did not have the knowledge, tools, financial or staffing capacity, or organizational commitment to do so. This manual is a response to those concerns. It provides guidance on how to prioritize and implement the operational changes that allow public agencies to prepare their employees and communities for climate change. Additionally, it provides guidance about how to demonstrate and communicate a commitment to reducing risks and building resilience.
Open Access
Reflexive gentrification of working lands in the American West : contesting the 'Middle Landscape'
(Rural Development Institute, Brandon University, 2013) Abrams, Jesse; Bliss, John Caswell; Gosnell, Hannah
The scenic rural landscape of Wallowa County, Oregon has attracted attention from affluent urban populations who value the physical setting and sense of rural authenticity of this remote setting. Since at least the 1990s, Wallowa County has experienced a wave of real estate investment by amenity-oriented populations, some of whom relocated permanently to the county and some of whom visit their properties only seasonally. Here, we apply the insights of rural gentrification scholarship to questions of land use and management. Specifically, we draw upon recent work on actor-oriented gentrification to highlight the ways in which land use is implicated in the reflexive processes of place (re)creation by gentrifier populations. In this case, many landowner-gentrifiers were acutely aware of their potential role in transforming the local landscape in ways which diminish local authenticity. An emergent discourse of “working lands” served as potential common ground for the imaginaries of both gentrifier and long-term resident populations. At the same time, landowner-gentrifiers instituted subtle but significant changes to land use practices in an attempt to reconcile their interests in consumption and protection with their interests in maintaining more traditional productivist practices. We interpret the working lands discourse as a manifestation of Leo Marx’s concept of the “middle landscape,” situated between the extremes of unpeopled wilderness and runaway capitalist production.
Open Access
Rural geography -- rural development : an examination of agriculture, policy and planning, and community in rural areas
(Rural Development Institute, Brandon University, 2013) Ramsey, Doug, 1965-; Abrams, Jesse; Clark, Jill K.; Evans, Nick (Professor of agricultural geography)
Every four years since 1991, a small group of rural geographers from Canada, the United States, the United Kingdom, with guests from Ireland and Australia, have met to present their latest ideas and research results. These meetings have also contributed to the development of a community of scholars interested in wide-ranging rural issues. . . . The intention of the 2011 meeting was to continue with the theme of sustainable rural change but with a focus on development, including identifying policies and programs used by agricultural sectors, and communities to respond to restructuring. Thus, while there was overlap, we have placed papers into one of three categories: ‘agriculture’, ‘policy and planning’, and ‘community’. The following overview provides a description of the work included in each theme.
Open Access
SETTING THE RECORD STRAIGHT Responses To Common Challenges To Climate Science
(2009-01) Climate Leadership Initiative
A good deal of misinformation has appeared in recent months challenging the reality, causes and trajectory of human-induced climate change. This document provides scientifically credible responses to some of the most commonly heard challenges.
Open Access
Small-diameter log evaluation for value-added structural applications
(Forest Products Society, 2000-10) Wolfe, Ronald; Moseley, Cassandra
Three species of small-diameter logs from the Klamath/Siskiyou Mountains and the Cascade Range in southwest Oregon were tested for their potential for value-added structural applications. The logs were tested in bending and compression parallel to the grain. Strength and stiffness values were correlated to possible nondestructive evaluation grading parameters and compared to values derived from published values based on tests of small-diameter clear wood of the test species. For the test sample, specific gravity and static bending modulus of elasticity were good indicators of strength. Growth rate, however, was poorly correlated to specific gravity, strength, and stiffness. The results suggest that the conventionally derived design values based on published small clear strength values are appropriate for bending but nonconservative for axial compressive strength. At present, established round timber specifications, modified to place limits on the presence of crown wood, would be sufficient for selection of small-diameter structural timbers. If a more tightly controlled strength limit is desirable for a specific application, static modulus of elasticity appears to be the most reliable indicator of strength of small-diameter logs.
Open Access
The State of the Dry Forest Zone and its Communities
(Ecosystem Workforce Program, Institute for a Sustainable Environment, University of Oregon, 2010-04) Davis, Emily Jane; Moseley, Cassandra; Nielsen-Pincus, Max; Abrams, Jesse; Brady, Cullen; Christoffersen, Nils; Davis, Chad; Enzer, Maia J.; Gordon, Josef; Goulette, Nick; Jungwirth, Lynn; Jungwirth, Jim; Kauffman, Marcus; McCarthy, Tyler; Shannon, Patrick; Sundstrom, Shiloh
The Dry Forest Zone is a region of eastern Oregon and northern California with challenging market conditions and high levels of poverty and unemployment. However, local entrepreneurship, collaboration, and commitment to integrated economic development and natural resource management in the zone are strong. In the past decade, the scope of community-based nonprofits, integrated biomass utilization businesses, and new networks has increased, fostering sustainable forest stewardship at an increasingly regional scale. The geography and climate of the zone support dry forests of pine and mixed conifer with fire regimes that are departed from their historical range of variability. These forests are prone to wildfire hazards and in need of active management to restore more diverse and variable-aged structures. As 68 percent of the land in the zone is public, the communities of this region rely on the economic and ecological productivity of these federal forests. The number of sawmills that once provided high levels of primary processing capacity and employment has shrunk to nine mills in the zone. More forest-related employment is now forestry support work, including activities such as firefighting, pest control, and thinning. Poverty and unemployment have increased, with estimated poverty levels in 2007 of over 15 percent in ten of the fifteen counties. Through the Dry Forest Zone project, we have an opportunity to build on the local strengths of this region and overcome these ecological and socioeconomic challenges.
Open Access
Stewardship Chronicle ; Vol. 01, No. 01
(Ecosystem Workforce Program, Institute for a Sustainable Environment, University of Oregon, 1999)
Open Access
Stewardship Chronicle ; Vol. 02, No. 01
(Ecosystem Workforce Program, Institute for a Sustainable Environment, University of Oregon, 2000)
Open Access
Stewardship Chronicle ; Vol. 03, No. 01
(Ecosystem Workforce Program, Institute for a Sustainable Environment, University of Oregon, 2001)