Wildfire Protection in McDonald and Dunn Forests February 20, 2021 The wildfires last summer have opened our eyes to the immediate threat that fire can pose to some of our favorite forests and ecosystems. Just one spark can grow into a full-blown flame in forests that aren’t managed properly, especially with the rapidly changing climate. Happily, the McDonald and Dunn Research Forests managed by OSU are being kept as safe as possible. Stephen A. Fitzgerald, Professor and Extension Silviculture Specialist and Director of the College of Forestry Research Forests told The Advocate that there are Fire Plans in place for both the McDonald and Dunn Forests. Part of those plans involves management practices that decrease the risks of wildfire. Some of these practices include thinning tree stands wider above and below roads which reduces the potential for crown fire, removing roadside trees to create more canopy gap creating a more effective fire break, and restoring meadows by removal of invading trees to create more of a gap and improve the habitat of the meadow.