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

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.