Max Bennett

Retired

Content
Publications
Awards

Content by Max Bennett

Trees on the Edge: Understanding Douglas-fir Decline and Mortality in Southwest Oregon

Douglas-fir trees are dying at a record pace in southwest Oregon. Learn what steps you can take to preserve forest health and improve wildfire resiliency in a warming climate.

Max Bennett, Christopher Adlam | Sep 2023 | Extension Catalog publication Peer reviewed (Orange level)

Fire FAQs—Have the size and severity of forest wildfires increased in Oregon and across the West?

Presents research findings from the last ten years on the patterns of fire sizes since the 1980s. One in a series of fire FAQs that are based on questions Forest & Natural Resource Extension agents and ...

Max Bennett, Stephen Fitzgerald, Dan Leavell, Carrie Berger | Oct 2022 | Extension Catalog publication Peer reviewed (Orange level)

Fostering Stewardship: A How-to Guide for Trainers

This curriculum package helps natural-resource professionals train landowners in resource management. Topics include forests, fire, streams, wildlife, soil, pastures, water systems and economics.

Rachel Werling, Max Bennett | Jun 2022 | Extension Catalog publication Peer reviewed (Orange level)

Reforestation considerations after wildfire (Recorded)

This webinar covered key considerations in reforestation following wildfire including legal requirements, planting vs. natural regeneration, site preparation, selecting and finding seedlings, tree planting, and post-planting care. Originally ...

Glenn Ahrens, Max Bennett | Oct 2021 | Video

From Vision to Reality: Creating a Land Steward Property Management Plan

One of the most effective tools for caring for your property is a management plan. Using the Land Steward series and our template, you can create a plan that will help you achieve your stewardship goals. ...

Rachel Werling, Max Bennett | Oct 2021 | Extension Catalog publication Peer reviewed (Orange level)

Economics and Enterprise: Financial Considerations of Rural Life

People own land for many reasons, from farming as a hobby to ranching or timber production as a business. Whatever the reason, economics is always part of the picture. Learn about the financial aspects of ...

Rachel Werling, Max Bennett | Jun 2021 | Extension Catalog publication Peer reviewed (Orange level)

Post-fire revegetation overview

Basic options for post-fire reforestation.

Glenn Ahrens, Max Bennett | Nov 2020 | Fact Sheet

The Home Ignition Zone: Protecting Your Property from Wildfire

Wildfire is inevitable — learn what you need to know to prepare your home and property. Handy worksheets help you assess each zone of your property to reduce the threat wildfires pose. This publication is one of a series of Land Steward Rural Resource Guidelines.

Max Bennett, Clint Nichols | Jun 2020 | Extension Catalog publication Peer reviewed (Orange level)

Resources for building bee pollinator habitat in managed forests

Postcards showing where native bees nest in managed forests can be obtained from the Oregon Bee Project (oregonbeeproject.org).

Brad Withrow-Robinson, Lauren Grand, Max Bennett, Christine Buhl | Mar 2020 | Collection

Forests and Woodlands: Protecting an Ecosystem

Learn to manage your forested property in ways that protect water quality, maintain soil health, reduce the threat of fire and improve wildlife habitat. This publication is one of a series of Land Steward Rural Resource Guidelines.

Max Bennett, Don Goheen, Jack Duggan | Dec 2019 | Extension Catalog publication Peer reviewed (Orange level)

Streams and Riparian Areas: Clean Water, Diverse Habitat

Streams and streambanks are vital but vulnerable wildlife habitat. Learn the steps you can take to improve vegetation and water quality on your riparian property. These recommendations can help protect birds, fish ...

Rachel Werling, Max Bennett | Dec 2019 | Extension Catalog publication Peer reviewed (Orange level)

Selecting and Buying Quality Tree Seedlings

Selecting trees adapted for long-term growth under your local conditions and how to choose nursery stock that has a high probability of surviving and showing good initial growth. Focuses on trees suitable for long-term timber production in Oregon.

Amy Grotta, Glenn Ahrens, Max Bennett | Jun 2019 | Extension Catalog publication Peer reviewed (Orange level)

Prescribed Underburning in Southwest Oregon: A Case Study

This publication describers a case study of prescribed underburning on a private woodland in southwest Oregon. It is part of the "Alternative Silvilculture" series and is a companion publication to Mixed Conifer and Hardwood Management in Southwest Oregon (EM 9084).

Max Bennett, Marty Main, Stephen Fitzgerald | Dec 2018 | Extension Catalog publication Peer reviewed (Orange level)

That's no pine cone! Learn about the parasitic groundcone plant

What are those funny cone-like things sticking out of the ground? They're parasitic plants that grow on the roots of madrone and manzanita.

Max Bennett | Jun 2018 | Article

Thinning in Mature Douglas-fir Stands in Southwest Oregon: A Case Study

Dive into a case study on thinning in mature Douglas-fir stands. Nearly all the trees in the study responded with increased growth and improved stress resistance.

Max Bennett, Marty Main | May 2018 | Extension Catalog publication Peer reviewed (Orange level)

Keeping Your Home and Property Safe from Wildfire

Learn to reduce wildfire risk by creating defensible space around your home.

Max Bennett, Stephen Fitzgerald, Alicia Christiansen, Kara Baylog | Dec 2017 | Extension Catalog publication Peer reviewed (Orange level)

Citizen Fire Academy: Curriculum Package for Facilitators and Educators

This Citizen Fire Academy curriculum package equips participants with the knowledge they need to improve fire preparedness and resiliency on their own properties and in their communities.

Stephen Fitzgerald, Kara Baylog, Max Bennett, Rhianna Simes, Nicole Strong | Dec 2017 | Extension Catalog publication Peer reviewed (Orange level)

America's largest diameter tree

With a 38-foot diameter, the Tule Tree is even bigger than the largest sequoia. It's estimated to be 1,500 and lives next to a church in Mexico.

Max Bennett | Jul 2017 | Article

Tree thinning for health and vigor

Simple guidelines for thinning your woodlands call for removing undesirable trees and making room for the best ones.

Max Bennett, Stephen Fitzgerald | Jul 2017 | Article

Before Wildfire Strikes: A Handbook for Homeowners and Communities in Southwest Oregon

This is a manual that helps homeowners and neighborhoods prepare their areas and their homes for wildfire. A fire-adapted community is a community located in a fire-prone area that requires little assistance from ...

Kara Baylog, Max Bennett | Dec 2015 | Extension Catalog publication Peer reviewed (Orange level)

Mixed Conifer and Hardwood Forest Management in Southwest Oregon

Dive into a case study on management of a mixed conifer and hardwood forest in southwest Oregon.

Max Bennett, Stephen Fitzgerald, Marty Main | Dec 2013 | Extension Catalog publication Peer reviewed (Orange level)

A Land Manager's Guide for Creating Fire-Resistant Forests

This publication provides an overview of how various silvicultural treatments affect fuel and fire behavior, and how to create fire-resistant forests. In properly treated, fire-resistant forests, fire intensity is reduced...

Stephen Fitzgerald, Max Bennett | Sep 2013 | Extension Catalog publication Peer reviewed (Orange level)

A Guide to Riparian Tree and Shrub Planting in the Willamette Valley: Steps to Success

A step-by-step guide to riparian tree and shrub planting in the Willamette Valley. Provides information on project planning, plant materials, site preparation, planting techniques, site maintenance, and monitoring and ...

Brad Withrow-Robinson, Max Bennett, Glenn Ahrens | Oct 2011 | Extension Catalog publication Peer reviewed (Orange level)

Reducing Fire Risk on Your Forest Property

The degree of wildfire risk depends on both the probability of an ignition and the potential for damage or harm (such as loss of trees, homes, or even lives). Recognizing that you may have a high wildfire ...

Max Bennett, Stephen Fitzgerald, Robert (Bob) Parker, Marty Main, Andy Perleberg, Chris C. Schnepf, Ron Mahoney | Oct 2010 | Extension Catalog publication Peer reviewed (Orange level)

Reducing Hazardous Fuels on Woodland Properties: Mechanical Fuels Reduction

Describes mechanical ways to reduce hazardous fuels on woodland properties, including Slashbuster-type machines, grinders, and masticators. Outlines considerations in using mechanical methods: move-in cost and parcel size, site impacts, and maintenance.

Max Bennett, Stephen Fitzgerald | Aug 2008 | Extension Catalog publication Peer reviewed (Orange level)

Reducing Hazardous Fuels on Woodland Property: Pruning

Discusses pruning as a way to reduce fire hazard in forest land. Outlines pruning guidelines. Summarizes considerations in pruning.

Joe Holmberg, Max Bennett | Aug 2008 | Extension Catalog publication Peer reviewed (Orange level)

Reducing Hazardous Fuels on Woodland Property: Thinning

Describes benefits of thinning a stand of forest trees. Benefits include increased potential economic value as well as better protection against wildfire. Outlines thinning rules and regulations and how thinning is ...

Robert (Bob) Parker, Max Bennett | Aug 2008 | Extension Catalog publication Peer reviewed (Orange level)

Reducing Hazardous Fuels on Woodland Property: Disposing of Woody Material

Tells various ways to use and dispose of woody material left after a thinning or harvest on forest land. Uses include sawlogs, posts and poles, firewood, and biomass fuel. Describes slash-disposal options: cut and...

Max Bennett, Stephen Fitzgerald | Aug 2008 | Extension Catalog publication Peer reviewed (Orange level)

Forest Health Fact Sheet: Diseases and Insect Pests of Pacific Madrone

Discusses three major types of madrone diseases--foliage, branch dieback and trunk canker, and root--and ways to minimize and manage. Discusses insect pests of madrone: fall webworm, western tent caterpillar, aphids, and leaf miners. Color photos. Sources of further information.

Max Bennett, David C. Shaw | May 2008 | Extension Catalog publication Peer reviewed (Orange level)

Field Guide to the Shrubs of Southwestern Oregon

Southwestern Oregon’s forests and woodlands are home to more than 100 species of shrubs – plants that add immeasurably to the beauty and function of this remarkably diverse ecosystem. This field guide is designed to help you identify 56 of the most frequently encountered shrubs in the area.

Max Bennett, Jan Walker | Jul 2007 | Publication

What’s wrong with my madrone?

This article briefly discusses the most prevalent madrone disease problems, then offers a broader perspective on the health of this southern Oregon native.

Max Bennett, David C. Shaw | Nov 2006 | Article

Douglas-fir in Klamath Mountains are in ‘decline spiral,’ Oregon State research shows

CORVALLIS, Ore. – Increases in mortality among Douglas-fir in the Klamath Mountains are the result of multiple factors that have the iconic tree in a “decline spiral” in parts of the region, a new study by the Oregon State University College of Forestry and OSU Extension Service indicates.

Steve Lundeberg | Mar 20, 2023 | News story