WORKING FORESTS
We sustainably manage our land by actively conserving the forest ecosystem through our commitment to carbon sequestration, water filtration, flood and fire control, and wildlife and plant habitats.
We carefully manage the forest ecosystem throughout a 45-year lifecycle, focusing on harvesting wood products, replanting, and starting the next cycle of forest nurturing. Though continuous and interconnected, the forestry lifecycle has six distinct phases.
Planning
Foresters observe the land before harvest to identify sensitive resources and learn about the capabilities, limitations, and challenges inherent to a given location.
Preparing
Following harvest, remaining vegetation may impose an unnecessary limitation or risk to the health and productivity of the new forest. This vegetation may be cleared using one or more tools in a forester’s tool bag including fire, machinery, or herbicides.
Planting
After considering the soils, climate, topography, and biology of a site, a forester selects species native to the region and best suited for the land. The seedlings are then grown at a local nursery and hand planted.
Protecting
In the first few years, trees are highly vulnerable to adverse weather, damage by animals, and crowding by competing plants. Foresters survey for these impacts and take action to reduce or repair the effects until the trees become well-established.
Evaluating
Periodic checks occur throughout the life of the forest. Removal of excess or inferior trees may be prescribed at certain intervals and fertilizers may be applied to some forests to enhance their productivity.
Renewing
Mature trees are harvested at 40 to 50 years of age. After a lifetime of care and consideration, a forest is locally converted to wood products that are sold to build homes in Oregon and across the country.