Episode 71: Post-fire Recovery Pt 1: LEAF Survey

02/01/2026 40 min

Listen "Episode 71: Post-fire Recovery Pt 1: LEAF Survey"

Episode Synopsis

This episode of 'In the Woods' podcast, hosted by Jake Barker of Oregon State University's Extension Service, explores post-wildfire restoration on private forest lands based on the LEAF (Landowner Experience After Fire) survey. Conducted by OSU in response to the 2020 Labor Day fires, the survey gathered insights from over 200 landowners across Oregon on their recovery experiences from 2017 to 2023. Key findings were shared, including the importance of local capacity, coordination, and organizational support in driving effective recovery. Guest Kara Baylog, a program coordinator with OSU's Forestry and Natural Resources extension, discussed the survey's methodology, the barriers landowners faced, and the types of assistance that proved most effective in aiding recovery efforts. For more information on this and other episodes, go to inthewoodspodcast.com.List of Chapters and Timestamps:00:00 Introduction to In the Woods Podcast00:35 Overview of Today's Episode: Post-Wildfire Restoration01:57 Introducing Kara Baylog and the LEAF Survey02:34 Details of the LEAF Survey06:35 Survey Findings: Emotional and Practical Responses08:22 Challenges and Barriers in Post-Wildfire Restoration13:15 Importance of Management Planning17:13 Role of Agencies and Organizations in Recovery24:34 Types of Assistance Provided to Landowners32:33 Future Directions and Final Thoughts37:11 Conclusion and Lightning Round40:14 Credits and Acknowledgements