History

When the idea of forestry demonstration areas was initially conceived in 1997, the primary objective was to provide working demonstrations of practical and effective forest management and stewardship practices that are compatible with water quality protection. Since then, we have strengthened this initial concept into a more cohesive package that seeks to ensure that the outreach activities are based on sound science. The catch is that science requires additional time and resources. Consequently, the development of all three Watershed Model Forests is progressing in a deliberate manner given the multiple objectives of research, demonstration, outreach and continuing education. Although our work would likely proceed faster without the research component, sound science conducted locally adds credibility and relevance to the education and outreach aspects of each Model Forest. The first order of business was complete a comprehensive forest inventory of all the Model Forest sites. This was completed in 2001.

The Lennox Memorial Forest was the first site to be developed. In 1998, an 85-acre section of the property was delineated into several compartments designed to demonstrate various types of forest management - good and bad. In the winter of 1999 the Lennox was harvested using different cutting prescriptions in each compartment.

By 2000, our first model forest was up and running providing outreach and continuing education opportunities.

The Frost Valley Model Forest followed a similar approach, but on a much larger scale of nearly 300 acres. Planning began in 1998 with the delineation of the experimental compartments and the survey work to locate the 2-mile model forest road. Today, the road is complete, three compartments have been treated with silvicultural prescriptions with the intent of studying the effects of harvesting on water quality, and educational signs are distributed over half the distance of the forest road. Outreach and continuing education activities began in 2004.

Management activities at the Nimham Mountain site have yet to begin. We are currently collaborating with local stakeholders in the community to help us define the future of this model forest.

The Siuslaw Model Forest was officially opened in 2007. Once a comprehensive forest inventory of the property is completed, the planning committee will discuss outreach and research options.