Writing a Forest Management Plan: Start with the Easy Sections

As a small woodland owner, you likely already know about the benefits of developing a management plan. These include:

  • Helping you and your heirs guide activities for your woodland.
  • Increasing your knowledge and connection to your property.
  • Helping you strategically develop actions to address your goals and objectives and avoid costly errors.
  • A management plant is also required to receive some grants and funding for management activities.

There are several approaches to starting your management planning journey. Some woodland owners might choose to hire a consulting forester to do all or parts of their plan for them. There may be cost share funding available if you choose that route (see below for funding resources). Or you may want to start developing a plan on your own. Like any big project, it will seem more approachable if you break it up into segments.  Start with the easy sections first; you might be surprised with how easy it is to find property information using online tools. This method will help you build momentum and feel a sense of accomplishment. Here are some tips for getting started (links to the plan template and resources are at the end of this article):

  • Download the management plan template and guidance document.
  • Familiarize yourself with the parts of the plan.
  • Read through the guidance document. This might seem like a lot of information to absorb. Use your skimming skills and get a general idea of what’s in the guidance document. You will be returning to these sections often.
Figure 1. My Forest Stewardship Values

There is a color-coded checklist at the beginning of the management plan template. This checklist breaks down the information that you need to gather for your plan into general categories starting with sections on Woodland Discovery, Current Stand & Forest Health Conditions, and Resources & Management Tools. The Woodland Discovery section asks for basic information describing your property along with maps and photos, followed by a list of your Goals & Actions. It’s a good idea to start the planning process by considering your goals.  Why do you own your property? What are your values and ownership goals? This can be a great way to get your family involved with the process. The My Stewardship Values questions (Figure 1) have been used in extension workshops for many years to help folks get started on this question of values. Your values provide the foundation for your goals and objectives. It’s not surprising that each landowner will have their own unique values, goals and objectives. Many landowners in Oregon have multiple reasons why they own their property. These might include the need for economic return as well as the enjoyment of amenity-based aspects of their property, like aesthetics and recreation or an interest in wildlife and conservation.

Let’s get started on the plan itself. After scanning the Woodland Discovery section you will notice that a number of maps are needed in the plan. Fortunately, recent developments in online mapping programs designed specifically for landowners have made map making surprisingly easy. Landmapper, a free mapping tool (link below), is an online tool that creates a number of maps automatically based on your selected tax lots. First zoom into the general area of your property, you can enter an address or manually zoom in. Select the taxlots that you would like to include in your management plan. Then press Next and a series of maps will be automatically generated. The first is a general map showing the property boundaries and aerial imagery. Basic property data is generated with this map, including acres, elevation range, and other details that will help you fill out the first section of your management plan. You will find additional maps including a vicinity map showing nearby roads, a topographic map, a hydrologic map showing streams along with their classifications, a soil type map, a forest community map, a tree diameter class map, a forest canopy cover map, and a forest density map.

All of these maps can help you describe your property. If you have explored this site in the past, you will find that the canopy cover map, the forest community map, the tree diameter class map and the forest canopy cover map are all recent additions which are based on classifications through remote sensing via satellite or aircraft. Go ahead and take these maps out with you on the property and see how they line up with what you see on the ground. I will cover how to tackle additional sections of the forest management template in upcoming articles.

Links to Management Planning Resources

Download Forest Management Plan Template and Guidelines here:

Land Mapper. Automated and easy, produces many of the plan maps. https://landmapper.ecotrust.org/

Funding Resources:

Oregon Department of Forestry: https://www.oregon.gov/odf/aboutodf/pages/grantsincentives.aspx

Natural Resource Conservation Service: https://www.nrcs.usda.gov/conservation-basics/natural-resource-concerns/land/forests

Planning your year on the forest: tips for creating an annual management plan

By Lauren Grand, OSU Extension Forestry, Lane County

Adapted from the workshop Planning your year on the Forest presented by Matt Fehrenbacher, Trout Mountain Forestry, and Steve and Wylda Cafferata, Master Woodland Managers.

Workshop recording can be found here: https://media.oregonstate.edu/media/t/1_xu7wq2g5

If you manage a woodland or forest, management planning is an essential tool. For small woodland owners we tend to focus on long-term management plans. However, these plans don’t usually reach the level of detail that a forest manager might need to determine the exact activities they would plan on a yearly basis. That usually requires an annual plan. Let’s look a little deeper into why you’d want both a management plan and an annual plan, and what each of those entail.

The term “management planning” usually refers to a longer-term management plan, usually on the horizon of 10 years or so. These are like a corporate strategic plan. They establish a framework for your property that establishes your long-term goals and objectives and usually include ideas and buy-in from family, partners, consultants, etc. These plans are incredibly important because they help you to:

  • Focus your thinking about management and identify opportunities
  • Increase your engagement with your land
  • Clarify your values and approach to ownership and management
  • Document the baseline conditions of your forest
  • Save time and money by avoiding costly mistakes
  • Communicate with others who use the property or who may be caring for it in the future – like family
  • Opens the doors to financial assistance and sustainability certification opportunities.

Figure 1. Sample small landowner annual plan written in the narrative form. Developed by Matt Fehrenbacher, Trout Mountain Forestry

Annual plans, however, are more similar to tactical plans. They use the strategy or goals and objectives that are identified in the long-term plan to guide the more specific activities that will be accomplished in the calendar year. Annual plans should include more detailed timelines, specific activities, budgets, and maps of treatment areas. These plans are usually developed by the focused decision makers and the day-to-day managers of the property. 

Developing these plans is all about timing! You’ll need to consider the activities you want to do in relation to markets, weather, operator availability, plant biology, personal activities, and your finances. For example, if you are considering a thinning operation you’ll want to think about

  • Market – are trees in demand and fetching higher prices, or is there too much inventory pushing prices down
  • Weather – are your roads accessible in rain or snow; are you concerned about the potential of working in the depths of fire season.
  • Operator availability – most loggers are busy in the summer and small jobs are less attractive to them
  • Biology – sap is running in the spring and thinning can cause bark slippage on your remaining trees if there is logging damage. Are you thinning pine? Ips beetles fly in the spring and could be attracted to your property during the logging.
  • Personal activities – maybe you are hosting a family reunion on the property and don’t want an operation to affect the festivities.
  • Finances – do you need to build a road to access the trees to be thinned? Can you afford to build the road before the harvest income is received? 

Annual plans can also help you stay on task with your activities and avoid costly mistakes by linking operations that can save you money and time. For example, linking a harvest with road building. Road building is expensive, but if you are planning a harvest that can be done before, then you might have more liquid finances to pay for the road build. Or, if the contractor that is doing the road is also assisting with the logging, then you only have to pay the set-up costs once instead of twice. 

While annual plans only last a year, you’ll not only consider how they fit into your management strategy, but also how they mesh with last year’s activities and what you are planning for the next year. Remember to be realistic because these activities can sometimes take a while, and weather or fire seasons can be unpredictable. Use a priority rating to help you decide what really must happen and what can fall off the table and be considered for next year. Usually, lower priority activities are stand alone and higher priorities would lead to cascading changes or upsets if they do not happen.

Figure 2. Sample annual plan in the matrix format. Developed by Matt Fehrenbacher, Trout Mountain Forestry.

Annual plans can be organized as a matrix by month or as a narrative. With either style, a map of your proposed activities is always recommended. You’ll also want to include a budget that reflects the relative cost/income expectations. While you won’t be able to predict these exact numbers, estimates can help keep you on track and avoid making large financial risks.

The Goal of your annual plan is to optimize efficiency and effectiveness and get things done. It is all about timing!

For more details about timing and how seasonality affects various management activities watch our webinar! https://media.oregonstate.edu/media/t/1_xu7wq2g5

I need technical assistance on my woodland property, who should I call?

By Norma Kline, OSU Extension Forestry, Coos and Curry Counties.

Participants at a forest practice riparian workshop. Photo by Wiley Thompson, OSU.

Woodland owners in Oregon have a wide range of resources and assistance available to help them fulfill their management objectives. Because we have so many agencies and non-profits that provide assistance, knowing who to contact can be challenging. An excellent place to start is the Resources for Family Forestland Owners produced by the Oregon Forest Resources Institute (OFRI), available here. This handy reference compiles the various family forest landowner associations, federal and state natural resources agencies, non-profits, and professional forestry service organizations. The 2023-24 edition is the most current version.

An additional resource for landowners in Coos and Curry Counties is the Contacts for Woodland Owners, a convenient compilation of local agency and non-profit contacts. This listing includes names, positions and phone numbers of natural resource professionals that cover our local area, available here.

While both of these references are handy to have at hand, it’s still not always apparent who to contact for a specific question. In the following paragraphs, you will find short descriptions of the various natural resource non-profits and agencies for our local area. If you would like to read more about them, reference the provided websites for more information.

Organizations that help with stream restoration and provide technical assistance.

Watershed associations are non-profit entities with boards of directors, experienced natural resource staff and long-term strategic plans. If you are interested in partnering with a local watershed association to restore salmon habitat on your property, consider contacting the watershed association that covers your ownership. These organizations may also be able to help with noxious priority weed control and have volunteer opportunities as well. The Coos Watershed Association, the Coquille Watershed Association, and the Curry Watersheds Partnership are all active watershed councils that write grants for watershed priority restoration projects. Read more about their past work and future goals on their respective websites.

Your local Soil and Water Conservation District (SWCD) can also help fund projects and provide technical assistance. These districts are non-regulatory agencies with board directors that are elected and hold terms of 4 years.  Your local SWCD can help out with soil and water conservations concerns on a farm or ranch. Projects include riparian enhancement and fish passage projects to name a few.

Another resource to consider is the Oregon Conservation Reserve Enhancement Program (CREP). This program can help landowners protect riparian areas with fencing and restoration planting. CREP is a state and federal partnership that allows landowners to receive incentive payments from the USDA for establishing long-term riparian buffers. You can learn more and check your eligibility by contacting the local CREP technician.

Organizations that help with forest management planning and provide technical assistance.

We have a local Natural Resource Conservation Service (NRCS) District office located in Coquille, the staff covers both Coos and Curry counties. This U.S. Department of Agriculture funded agency administers a number of funding programs for small woodland owners. The Environmental Quality Incentives Program is one program that can help small woodland owners on a number of topics including funding for forest management plan writing and Gorse wildfire hazard mitigation.

Oregon Department of Forestry (ODF) staff can help you navigate Oregon’s Forest Practice Act rules. Check the list to see who covers your area, staff include Stewardship Foresters and the new Small Forestland Owner (SFO) Forester as well as the Sudden Oak Death Program.

Another key resource is the Coos Forest Protective Association (CFPA). You will want to check their website for fire restriction information and to see requirements for pile burning.

While not on the Contacts for Woodland Owners list, there are other key resources that provide services for woodland owners. These include consulting foresters and loggers. The Association of Consulting Foresters website and the Associated Oregon Loggers, Inc website are great resources to find those professionals. These links can be found in the OFRI Resources for Family Forestland Owners resource listed earlier.

An additional group that is very helpful for small woodland owners is the Oregon Small Woodland Association. This is a membership organization whose mission is to educate and inform small woodland owners on topics related to family forest management issues. Membership in this organization can be a great way to meet other landowners and learn about upcoming forestry topics.

Last but not least, OSU Extension Forestry and Natural Resources agents provide a myriad of educational opportunities including workshops, publications and technical assistance. If you are still unsure of the appropriate organization to contact to get help for your specific woodland management need, an OSU Extension Forester can assist you.

Shore Pines: Contorted Trees of Our Coast

By Norma Kline, OSU Extension Forester for Coos and Curry Counties

Shore pine (Pinus contorta var. contorta), is a common and extremely hardy native tree of Oregon’s coast. Shore pine can occur in solid stands or in mixed stands along with Sitka spruce, Port-Orford-cedar, western hemlock and Douglas-fir. Shore pine is adapted to our long summer dry periods and rainy winters. The characteristic twisted growth form on rocky bluffs near the beach, attesting to its ability to withstand our harsh windy coastal weather (Figure 1). It may seem surprising that our coastal shore pine is a variant of the straight, tall lodgepole pine found throughout central and eastern Oregon. The scientific name of lodgepole is Pinus contorta while Shore pine is Pinus contorta var. contorta. You can confirm the two are very similar by taking a close look at the needles and cones. Both lodgepole and shore pine have needles in bundles of two, and small woody cones that are 1-2 inches long. These cones can remain closed for years. The bark is thin and flaky. While lodgepole pine is used for a number of commercial wood products, shore pine is mainly appreciated for its ecosystem function and beauty in the landscape.

Shore pine growing on a coastal bluff. Photo by Norma Kline @OSU

Despite shore pines’ reputation for being a tough and hardy native conifer, it can still succumb to a number of common forest health issues. In the home landscape, a common stressor includes watering mature trees during the summer. This can occur if a lawn or garden has been developed around existing trees. Overwatering can cause a suitable environment for pathogens to infest the root system which eventually causes tree decline. On the other hand, a newly planted shore pine seedling will require periodic watering until it is established, see Selecting, Planting and Caring for a New Tree, in references below.

Shore pine is shade intolerant, in other words it does best in full sun. Shore pines that are overtopped or shaded by other trees will eventually become spindly and exhibit poor growth. Another hazard in home landscapes is root damage or compaction caused by trenching or road construction. Injury to limbs or the tree trunk (bole) through equipment damage or incorrect pruning can also create a route for insects or pathogens to gain entry. Avoid damaging the branch collar or tree trunk while pruning (Figure 2). Pruning should be completed from October to February. Pruning outside this time period can attract Sequoia pitch moth, which create unsightly globs of pitch on the tree trunk. For a comprehensive description of forest health considerations for shore pine, see Common Insect Pests and Diseases of Shore Pine on the Oregon Coast, in references below.

References

Selecting, Planting, and Caring for a New Tree: https://extension.oregonstate.edu/catalog/pub/ec1438

Common Insect Pests and Diseases of Shore Pine on the Oregon Coast: https://extension.oregonstate.edu/catalog/pub/em9008

Gorse! A Prickly Problem for Small Woodland Owners

By Norma Kline, OSU Extension Forester for Coos and Curry Counties

Figure 1. A gorse monoculture thicket. Photo by Norma Kline @ OSU

If you live near Bandon, you are likely very familiar with gorse (Ulex europaeus), an introduced exotic weed from Europe. Gorse is thorny and extremely painful to walk through, making areas of your property inaccessible. While gorse plants start out small, they can grow to over 10 feet tall with stout woody stems. These monoculture thickets suppress native vegetation (Figure 1). And even worse, gorse is extremely flammable, making it a severe fire hazard. In 1936, gorse growing in the empty lots between buildings in Bandon helped fuel a fire that caused significant destruction to the town.

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Sudden Oak Death Webinar Recordings and a New Emerald Ash Borer Publication

Sudden Oak Death Webinar Recordings

Did you miss the What’s Happening with Sudden Oak Death in Curry County Webinar series held on April 11 and 18th? This two-part series was recorded and can be viewed anytime. Here is a quick overview: In the first session, Sarah Navarro, USFS Regional Sudden Oak Death Pathologist, gave a general overview of sudden oak death. Sarah’s presentation covered what sudden oak death is, how it spreads, symptoms to look out for, treatment approaches and the economic impacts. Sarah also discussed the Sudden Oak Death Task Force, an incredible partnership that includes private landowners, state and federal agencies as well as nonprofits and the Oregon State University LeBoldus Lab and Extension. All who are key players in finding solutions to slow the spread of the pathogen. View the recording here: https://media.oregonstate.edu/media/t/1_0h0hoqd5

Infested tanaok. Photo: Norma Kline@OSU

In the second session, Randy Wiese and Quinn Allen with the Oregon Department of Forestry discussed survey and sampling methods. It was interesting to hear about their work exploring the use of drones to help find infested tanoaks. Drones could really be helpful, as currently they travel to each suspected tanoaks on foot! Once a potentially infested tanoak is found, they take a small sample from beneath the bark and insert it into sterile media in a petri dish that is then sent to the lab. They then carefully sterilize their tools to avoid cross contamination with future samples. Every tree that is found and sampled is geolocated and recorded in a database. This description of the intensive field work required to find and sample trees was followed by a presentation covering lab diagnostics by Elizabeth (Biz) Stamm with the OSU LeBoldus Lab. Biz covered the multiple steps, equipment and expertise required to assess samples in order to confirm sudden oak death. Biz also showed us some nice images of Phytophthora ramorum as seen through a microscope.

Finally, Dr. Ebba Peterson, with the OSU LeBoldus Lab presented first year results and future directions of a project lead by Dr. Jared LeBoldus, looking at how loss of tanoak will impact biodiversity in SW Oregon forests. This is an important question that many folks have had in regard to effects of tanoak mortality on pollinators, wildlife habitat, and the wider interconnected ecosystem. I’m looking forward to future updates from this long term study. View the recording here: https://media.oregonstate.edu/media/t/1_ehbb39wl

New Emerald Ash Borer Publication: Alternatives to Ash in Western Oregon

By now, most of you have probably heard about the infestation of Emerald Ash Borer (EAB) in Forest Grove, Oregon. This was a significant finding as it was the first detection of EAB in Oregon. EAB has killed ash throughout the United States. Once EAB is established in an area, it is extremely difficult to control as it can fly for miles to infest new trees. In Oregon, we are particularly concerned about the fate of our Oregon Ash. Oregon Ash is an important riparian tree throughout our region and has been planted extensively in riparian restoration projects. If EAB were to become widely established in Oregon, Oregon Ash mortality would leave significant gaps in riparian areas that could then easily be filled with invasive plants. Restoration practitioners are particularly interested in what riparian species they should plant in restoration sites to avoid large-scale restoration failures if EAB were to infest the site.  Here is a practical OSU Extension publication that helps answer these questions: Alternatives to Ash in Western Oregon. https://catalog.extension.oregonstate.edu/em9396

For a general overview of Oregon Ash tree health, check out Oregon Ash: Insects, Pathogens and Tree Health. https://catalog.extension.oregonstate.edu/em9380

Be Prepared for Fire Season

Know your fire danger level. Fire danger levels can change quickly.

Believe it or not, it’s going to stop raining. In most years, it stops raining as if a faucet were turned off.  If past years are any indication of the future, we might not see any measurable precipitation from July until September. The end of the rainy season signals the start of fire season and the start of industrial fire closures for forest workers as well as regulated use fire closures for the general public. Do you know where to find information on fire restrictions affecting activities on your property?  If you are in Coos or Curry Counties, access the Coos Forest Protective Association website: https://www.coosfpa.net/  Save this website as a favorite so you can view all the great resources including Today’s Fire Danger Levels. Then navigate to the Regulated Use Proclamations an the Public Use Restriction Chart that describes which activates are prohibited as fire danger increases. Go ahead and print this chart out for your bulletin board as a quick reference during fire season. The chart also provides timing restrictions and equipment requirements for regulated activities. For example, see when (and if) you can use a chainsaw for nonindustrial use during fire season, and what firefighting tools need to be carried with each saw. The Public Use Restriction Chart also provides specific details on regulations regarding operating motorized vehicles (including motorcycles and all-terrain vehicles) during fires season. This is a great time to make sure that you have the required firefighting equipment if you plan to travel in forestlands. This includes one shovel, one axe or Pulaski, and one gallon of water or a 2.5lb or larger ABC fire extinguisher. In addition, do not forget to read the restrictions regarding mowing of dried or cured grass and cutting, grinding, and welding of metal as well as campfires. This is just a selection of restricted activities and requirements. It is a good idea to read up on the rules and understand how they relate to your activities.

Landowners engaged in industrial operations will need to refer to the Industrial Fire Closure Proclamations and associated legal requirements. Check out the nice summary of fire season requirements and links to the Oregon laws and Administrative Rules that establish the fire prevention and suppression requirements for operations. The CFPA website has contact numbers if you have any questions.

Have a safe fire season everyone!

Port-Orford-cedar Root Disease: What You Need to Know

By Norma Kline, Oregon State University Extension Forester for Coos and Curry Counties

If you live or work in southern Oregon, the dead and dying Port-Orford-cedar (Chamaecyparis lawsoniana) along Highway 101 are hard to miss. The culprit behind this widespread mortality of Port-Orford-cedar is an introduced invasive pathogen called Phytophthora lateralis. Phytophthora lateralis causes Port-Orford-cedar root disease. Phytophthora means plant destroyer in Greek and is part of a larger order of microorganisms called Oomycetes or water molds. These pathogens are related to fungi, but do not develop obvious fruiting bodies. If the genus Phytophthora sounds familiar, it is because a related pathogen called Phytophthora ramorum causes sudden oak death. Phytophthoras thrive in the moist conditions in coastal Oregon. There are many other notable Phytophthoras including Phytophthora infestans, the pathogen that causes late blight of potato and tomato.

Figure 1. Port-Orford-cedar cones. USDA FS

Port-Orford-cedar root disease was first detected in nursery plants in the 1920’s and was identified in natural forests in Coos County in the 1950’s. Since that time, Port-Orford-cedar root disease has spread across much of the native range of Port-Orford-cedar. While the primary host in Oregon for Phytophthora lateralis is Port-Orford-cedar, Pacific Yew (Taxus brevifolia) can also be infested. Fortunately, the disease does not infest our other native forest species. For example, the pathogen will not spread from an infested Port-Orford-cedar to a neighboring Douglas-fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii) or Western-redcedar (Thuja plicata).

Figure 2. Western redcedar cones. Glacier NPS.

Unfortunately, Phytophthora lateralis is easily transported on muddy road building machinery or maintenance equipment and even shoes. When the pathogen is moved to a new area, it typically first infests tree roots and then progresses up to the base of the tree where it girdles and kills the tree. The pathogen then progresses from one Port-Orford-cedar to the next via interconnected roots.  A common series of events is for an infestation to start with trees at the edge of a road or driveway and then slowly spread into the adjacent forest. The disease seems to travel in waves across the landscape. 

Figure 3. X- shaped pattern – Port-Orford-cedar. Photo: Norma Kline@OSU

What do you do if you observe yellow and brown foliage on a Port-Orford-cedar? First, confirm that the tree is indeed Port-Orford-cedar. Western redcedar and Port-orford-cedar can look similar from a distance. Cones, if you can find them, are the best diagnostic tool. Both Port-Orford-cedar cones and western redcedar cones are very small (about ½ inch in size). Port-Orford-cedar cones are round (Figure 1) while Western redcedar cones are shaped like a rosebud, and bend up and back towards the tree (Figure 2). The foliage and bark also have characteristic differences. Turn the foliage over to observe the “X” shape pattern on Port-Orford-cedar or the butterfly or bowtie shape distinctive of Western redcedar (Figures 3 and 4). The bark can also be helpful in differentiating between the two species; Port-Orford-cedar has thicker more fibrous bark than the finer textured bark of western redcedar.

Figure 4. Butterfly pattern – Western redcedar. Lynn Ketchum@OSU

Once you have determined that the tree in question is a Port-Orford-cedar, then Port-Orford-cedar root disease might be responsible for the observed decline and mortality. On a newly dead tree, you can investigate further by carefully using a hatchet to remove the outer bark near the base of the tree. Port-Orford-cedar root disease causes a characteristic stain on the cambium (the living tissue beneath the bark) (Figure 5). Just remember, it’s not a good idea to chop into a living tree as it can expose the tree to pathogens or insects. If you see areas of loose bark on a dead tree, you might notice insect galleries (tunnels) under the bark. In many cases, these are indications of beetles that aid in wood decomposition. These “secondary” beetles invade trees that are already dead and dying. You might also see signs of cedar bark beetles, which are also considered a secondary beetle (as they are not the primary cause of tree mortality). Cedar bark beetles are attracted to stressed cedars (such as Port-Orford-cedars stressed from root disease), and stressed junipers and redwoods. Cedar bark beetle galleries are distinctive (Figure 6).

Figure 5. Characterstic stain of Port-Orford-cedar root disease. USDA FS

Port-Orford-cedar root disease is difficult to treat. Some landowners choose to remove obviously infested Port-Orford-cedar as well as nearby apparently healthy Port-Orford-cedar in order to disrupt disease spread from interconnected roots. This is not likely to be effective in areas where the disease is widespread. In which case, property owners will need to assess safety and fuels hazards created by dead and dying trees. Leaving some snags (dead trees) in the landscape is beneficial for both cavity nesting birds and bats. Likewise, downed logs serve as habitat for amphibians and benefits soil structure as the logs slowly rot.

Figure 6. Cedar beetle on Port-Orford-cedar. Photo: Norma Kline@OSU.

If Port-Orford-cedar root disease symptoms are caught very early in the disease progression, a homeowner might opt to have a notable Port-Orford-cedar in the home landscape treated with fungicides. Continued treatments would be required to keep the infestation in check. This approach is not likely to be practical in situations where large numbers of trees are infested. Read more about chemical treatments in the PNW handbook (see References).

Luckily there is good news. Disease resistant Port-Orford-cedar seedlings are available for landowners interested in restoring Port-Orford-cedar to the landscape. Disease resistant Port-Orford-cedar are the result of a long term and very successful breeding program at the USFS Dorena Genetic Nursery in southern Oregon. Landowners interested in planting disease resistant Port-Orford-cedar in Coos or Curry Counties should contact their extension forester (norma.kline@oregonstate.edu). Just remember that planting season in western Oregon is in the rainy winter months.

As always, use herbicides safely! Wear protective clothing and safety equipment as recommended on the label. Bathe or shower after each use. Read the pesticide label – even if you have used the pesticide before. Follow the instructions on the label (and any other directions you have). Be cautious when you apply pesticides. Know your legal responsibility as a pesticide applicator. You may be liable for injury or damage resulting from pesticide use. Use herbicides responsibly.

References

Port-Orford-Cedar Root Disease Leaflet https://www.fs.usda.gov/Internet/FSE_DOCUMENTS/stelprdb5346825.pdf

PNW Handbook – Phytopthora lateralis treatment options

https://pnwhandbooks.org/plantdisease/host-disease/cedar-port-orford-chamaecyparis-lawsoniana-root-rot

Site Quality, Site Index, Site Class: Applying these Concepts on Your Woodland

By Norma Kline, Oregon State University Extension Forester for Coos and Curry Counties

As with any specialized field, forestry has its own jargon. Some terms are precise and measurable while others describe broader concepts. This article covers a group of similar sounding terms (site quality, site productivity, site index, site class) which are all used to reference how well trees grow in a given area, or site. You may have observed that trees and understory vegetation grow better on some areas on your woodland than in other areas. These differences may seem more pronounced on steep areas with shallow soils where you might see less overall vegetation and slower tree growth.  In contrast, you might see fairly lush understory vegetation and rapid tree growth in flat areas near streams. You might even notice that the two areas have different species. The moist and deep soils near streams typically support mixed conifer and hardwood species including hemlock, western redcedar and alder and understory species including ferns, salal and red elderberry. In contrast, steep slopes with shallow soils might be dominated by Douglas-fir with sparse understory species including more drought tolerant species such as manzanita and silk tassel.

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Bees in the Woods

By Brad Withrow-Robinson, OSU Forestry and Natural Resources Extension, Agent serving Benton, Linn, and Polk Counties

Figure 1. A forest opening can provide a great mix of flowering and nesting resources. © Brad Withrow-Robinson, OSU Extension

Many forest landowners are aware of the growing interest in, as well as the importance of pollinators. Pollinators include many kinds of insects, and even some birds and mammals. But the pollinators attracting most of the attention are our native bees. The Master Gardeners are great advocates of pollinator stewardship and do popular trainings on caring for mason bees and growing pollinator gardens. The potential and the need for supporting pollinators in urban/suburban settings, as well as in a larger agricultural landscape is clear. But what about all the forestlands in Oregon?

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