Proceedings of the sixth California oak symposium: today's challenges, tomorrow's opportunities

Abstract

The Sixth Oak Symposium provided a forum for current research and outstanding case studies on oak woodland science and sustainability in California. This symposium was the latest in a series of conferences on this subject held every 5 years since 1979. The proceedings from this conference series represent the most comprehensive source of scientific and management information on a wide range of subjects including oak ecology, hardwood rangeland management, oak restoration and conservation, woodland land-use change and planning. The conference was attended by academics, planners, conservation practitioners, foresters, arborists, and people just interested in oaks and oak-woodland conservation. Together we form a community of researchers and practitioners working toward maintaining and restoring California's oak woodlands. The findings reported here recognize: (1) the rich history and current interest that Native American communities have for oaks, (2) the inherent complexity of wildlife relationships with woodland resources, (3) the need for greater understanding of belowground processes, and (4) that the land conservation tools and policies evolving rapidly to protect and restore oak woodlands need to be evaluated. Although progress has been made, continued emphasis on research and extension is required to further California oak conservation.