The Oak Woodland Conservation Workgroup held its annual meeting at the Warner Springs Ranch in San Diego County during 17-18 April 2008. The meeting was attended by 20 ANR and non-ANR workgroup members.

The group reported on their current oak woodland research and education activities. Topics included genetic diversity among southern California oaks, fire relationships, stand and landscape level rangeland-wildlife relationships, and rangeland stewardship issues.

During the business meeting the group discussed further collaborative research and outreach activities. After collating the feedback, the group will identify one or two of the projects to pursue. Bill Frost presented information on the status of the Evaluation being conducted by ANR Workgroup Focus Groups. The day concluded with members of the Integrated Hardwood Range Management Program (IHRMP) discussing several topics, including an upcoming RFP for IHRMP research money.

A field tour led by Tom Scott on the second day of the meeting saw and discussed oak habitats impacted by the extensive 2003 and 2007 Southern California wildfires. The day ended with lunch at Palomar Mountain State Park. Interestingly, Palomar Mountain receives an annual average of 55 inches of rainfall, more than any place in Southern California.