Dorena Genetic Resource Center
Dorena Genetic Resource Center is a critical part of the Pacific Northwest Region’s Genetic Resource and Forest Health Protection Programs. The center primarily serves Oregon and Washington, although the work is national and international in scope. Our programs apply scientific knowledge to develop hands-on solutions to forest management challenges such as non-native invasive pathogens and recovery from large-scale fires.
Key services include:
- Conserving and restoring genetic variation for native tree species
- Developing and supplying disease resistant native tree seeds to a wide array of land managers.
- Gene Conservation: storing individual tree seed collections (OR & WA), from over 40,000 mainly conifer parent trees
- Managing the national Tree Climbing Program
- Producing quality native plant materials & protocols for restoration
- Actively sharing information through regional conservation education programs and publications
- Leadership in National and International Cooperation in forest tree resistance and tree climbing
Programs
Several Genetic Resistance Programs for specific tree species are coordinated and implemented by Dorena Genetic Resource Center but rely on essential cooperation of many partners. Programs include White Pine Blister Rust Resistance, Port-Orford-cedar Root Disease Resistance, Oregon Ash Resistance to Emerald Ash Borer, and Pacific Madrone Genetic Sentinel Trials. The Center also works with or advises other Regions on development of forest tree resistance programs.
The Gene Conservation program incorporates a network of genetic field trials and the storage of valuable seed at Dorena Genetic Resource Center. Field plantings and genetic trials include western white pine, sugar pine, whitebark pine, Port-Orford-cedar, Oregon ash, and Pacific madrone. Seed storage at Dorena includes over 40,000 individual tree seed collections of invaluable seed for long-term species conservation. The collection provides potential opportunities to restore future losses of native tree species.
The National Tree Climbing Program ensures that Forest Service tree climbers are properly trained, certified, and equipped to safely and efficiently accomplish necessary work aloft in trees. Forest Service climbers use these skills to implement a variety of work including cone collection, wildlife habitat surveys, recreation site maintenance and more. Training and certification are provided to all federal, state, local and tribal government employees.
The program is defined in FSH 2409.17-2009-1 Tree Climbing Program. The policy sets forth the standards to be followed for all Forest Service tree climbing work and was derived from recognized industry standards, procedures and practices, as well as appropriate related material contained in FSH 6709.11, Health and Safety Code Handbook, and the USDA Forest Service National Tree Climbing Field Guide (PDF, 7.8 MB).
The Native Species Program produces high quality native plants for restoration on public lands. The program incorporates local seed collection and processing, plant production and development of plant growing protocols to be used by nurseries throughout the country. Restoration is focused on highly disturbed lands working in partnership with a variety of federal, state, tribal, and other government agencies.
Educational opportunities are available to a wide variety of forestry groups, scientists, and students from community colleges and universities. Volunteers or interns can help with daily activities or special projects. Public tours of the Dorena Genetic Resource Center provide opportunity to learn about the threats to native forests caused by non-native diseases and pests, and how the benefits of a genetic resistance program can increase resilience and health of our forests. Stories developed around this work are often shared with the public through a variety of outlets including television, radio, social and printed media.
Dorena Genetic Resource Center Photos
View an extensive set of photos chronicling some of the history of Dorena Genetic Resource Center.
Contact Us
Visitors are always welcome! For further information please contact us at (541) 767-5700.
Address: 34963 Shoreview Dr, Cottage Grove, OR 97424