The Hinkle Creek Paired Watershed Study

Outreach and Education Summary

Click Here for full report

Introduction

The Hinkle Creek Paired Watershed Study offers a unique and important array of educational opportunities for diverse audiences. A demonstration area allows people to observe the interactions of modern intensive forest management with watershed health, water quality, and fisheries.

Audiences

Both the Hinkle Creek study area and the data and knowledge generated are of interest and potential value to a broad array of audiences. Some are focused on the specific and detailed questions being addressed, while other audiences, including the public, have more general interests.

Students and educators. Teachers in grades K-12 in Douglas County already have discovered the Hinkle Creek project. Involvement of OSU faculty in the project has led to use of project data in graduate-level teaching.

Natural resource professionals. The data and knowledge generated by the Hinkle Creek study are of great interest to many foresters, fish and wildlife biologists, hydrologists and other natural resource professionals.

Landowners and other citizens. Forest landowners have an interest in the knowledge emerging from the Hinkle Creek project because it could influence their management practices and plans.

Non-governmental organizations. Organizations such as Oregon Trout already are aware of the Hinkle Creek project and their interest and use could expand significantly. Clearly, watershed councils will have substantial interest in the Hinkle Creek project at many levels.

Public leaders. The Hinkle Creek project will provide important knowledge and information for public leaders and decision makers. Many of these leaders already are aware of the project and some have played instrumental roles in its support and funding, including the Douglas County Commissioners and Oregon 's Congressional delegation.

Scientists. As one of the newest and most innovative watershed and forest resource studies in the region, Hinkle Creek already is attracting attention among scientists.

Valuable Attributes

Environment. The research findings and educational programs and materials are expected to have broad applications and value well beyond the specific study area.

Access. The Hinkle Creek study area is located within 20 miles of Interstate-5, making day trips for educational activities possible from such widely located areas as Albany and Medford .

Ownership. The area is situated on forestlands owned and managed by Roseburg Forest Products, an active and enthusiastic supporter of the research and educational goals of the project participants.

Support. In addition to the local landowner and appropriations from the U.S. Congress, a broad array of groups and individuals are providing financial and in-kind support for the Hinkle Creek Project. Notable among those providing significant support include the Douglas County Board of Commissioners, the Oregon Forest Resources Institute, the U.S. Geological Survey and Oregon State University .

Momentum. Oregon 's Congressional delegation was successful in securing substantial support for the Hinkle Creek project through the Federal spending bill (FY05) passed in late 2004. Use and interest in Hinkle Creek for outreach activities is expanding and has included tours ranging for audiences from state leaders to K-12 students.

Future plans

• Catalogue the materials and curricula by developing a database to encourage discussion and sharing among educators
• Expand K-12 field tours to schools located between Albany and Ashland .
• Develop K-12 study site with Oregon Trout.
• Develop grades 8-12 materials to make use of online data statewide.
• Compile for interested users information about field tour opportunities.
• Develop self-guided driving and water tours.
• Develop on-site features and facilities to support field tours and visits.
• Adapt computer slideshows developed by the Hinkle scientists.
• Develop a presentation for the OFRI Speakers Bureau.
• Regional “Paired Watershed Research” conference. 2006
• North American Benthological Conference technical session. 2006

Hinkle Creek gets visits from students, professionals, scientists

The Hinkle Creek Paired Watershed Study demonstration area will allow people to observe the interactions of modern intensive forest management with watershed health, water quality, and fisheries.

Some 1300 people have visited the study since the study started in 2002. In 2005, 325 participants have taken part in these activities:

• February 12 – Douglas Timber Operator forum, 35 participants
• March 15 – Roseburg School District students, 190 participants
• March - Hinkle Creek outreach opportunity and approach report completed
• March - Planning meeting for Community Technical Conference & Tour
• March - OFRI Special Report brochure on Hinkle Creek released
• January-May - Hinkle Creek project web site design and activation
• May 7 – OSU College of Forestry Forest Hydrology Field Lab, 9 participants
• May - Oregon Society of American Foresters field tour, 65 participants
• June 8 – Field tour with Sierra Pacific Industries, 11 participants
• July 16 – Field Tour for the International Forest Engineering Institute, 10 participants