Art McCoy of the ODF stands at one of the sites on the Forest Discovery Tour, being held this year on July 24.

Tourists on one of our Forest Discovery Tours will view differing age timber stands such as this …

… from newly cut
and planted …

… to well-established second and third growth.

Join us on these free tours and discover how sustainable forestry is being practiced in Oregon.

“A lot of the questions I've always had got answered.”
--Tour Participant 2005

Our tours meet at 8:30 a.m. at either the Springfield Chamber of Commerce parking lot or in front of Ray's Market in Veneta. From there we will board a bus and travel to various forest sites owned by public and private landowners.

On these tours you will get to see parts of Oregon that are off the beaten track. We will look at different aspects of forestry — from harvest to reforestation — and show you examples of how the Oregon Forest Practices Act is working to protect wildlife habitat, streams and soils.

The tours are lead by the foresters that have a working knowledge of these forests. They are the people who write the harvest plans. We encourage tour participants to ask questions. Everyone who has participated in our tours has said they would recommend it to others. Join us and see why.

Today's Needs . . .

Throughout the globe, our use of wood products is increasing. Worldwide, each one of us uses three pounds of wood every day. That's about a tree every year!

With a world population of more than 6 billion, how can we manage our forests to meet increasing demands while at the same time protect the resources that we all treasure?

How do forest managers balance wood production while providing clean water, wildlife habitat and recreational opportunities?

In Oregon, foresters use cutting-edge science and technology to provide many of the answers. As science and technology change, new forest management practices are implemented.

Tomorrow's Choices . . .

Every day we make choices that impact our forests. We do this by what we purchase; what we recycle; how much water we use; and by a host of other decisions.

In Oregon, the public contributes to many of our natural resource decisions. As these choices may have long-lasting impacts, we need to make them as well-informed citizens.

We invite you to come and take a firsthand look at how our forests are being managed. Our tours cover a wide range of forest ownership with varying goals and objectives, resulting in a diversity of management styles. Come on our tours and see for yourself how forest landowners are working to create sustainable forests for today and forever.

Forest Discovery Tours

This summer we are offering — in partnership with Lane Community College and the Oregon Forest Resource Institute —  five free tours illustrating current forestry practices and goals of local public and private landowners and managers. The tours begin at 8:30 a.m. and return no later than 2 p.m. Bring a lunch, walking shoes and your questions!

Schedule, Leaders, Locations and Topics

For more information, please contact FT&F Program Coordinator LaRae Ash at 541-998-6438 or by email.