Brad Withrow-Robinson, OSU Forestry & Natural Resources Extension, Benton, Linn and Polk Counties
A New Approach
Dalagård farm & forest retreat is a large working forest owned by Cecilia and Leif Öster. These first -generation landowners are developing an active silvo-trouism enterprise to diversify the farm’s income and promote its sustainability. Forest products and hunting leases are other significant income streams.
We enjoyed a wonderful Swedish Mid-Summer style lunch while enjoying the beautiful setting.
Leif explains alternative forest management practices used near the guest complex. This is aimed at balancing the guests aesthetic expectations of forests with broader forest production objectives.
Local trees on display in a small educational arboretum are described for visitors.
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A Very Long Tradition
Just down the road from Dalagård, we were welcomed into the home of Karen Perers, an eleventh generation landowner of a small forest & farm property in Dalarna County.
Karin shared insights into how her family and farm has contributed to the community over the centuries delivering first charcoal and firewood and later pulpwood and sawlogs “The family and farm have been producing those wooden things that the times ask for” across several centuries, she said. A recognized leader, Karin is director of the Board for Melanskog, the large regional landowner cooperative hosting many of our visits in the area.
Karin shows and discusses the first map of the property, along with a modern one, each containing very similar information.
