Sudden Oak Death (SOD), a plant disease caused by the fungus-like pathogen Phytophthora ramorum, is responsible for killing millions of oaks and tanoaks throughout California’s forests. Since 2005, the Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District (Midpen) has worked to address SOD on its preserves with best management practices, education, by treating specimen oak trees with preventative measures and funding research on potentially resistant tanoak trees.

SOD research indicates that removing bay trees from the vicinity of oak trees may protect them from SOD, if undertaken early enough. New root diseases were discovered in California’s native plant nurseries last year, and how these diseases may affect wildland areas is currently being evaluated. This talk will describe past and future SOD research and management actions in Midpen preserves and opportunities to participate in SOD Blitzes.

Cindy Roessler is an ecologist with over thirty years of experience in managing natural resources for governmental agencies and consulting firms.