This summer we have worked on two projects: A storm salvage at Silver Falls State Park and fuels reduction at Collier State Park. The storm salvage is necessary to avoid bark beetle infestation in the standing trees surrounding the numerous pockets of trees blown down in winter storms. The fuels reduction is necessary to minimize the risk of a stand replacing wildfire in the park. For both of these projects we acquired new skills including use of a GPS unit and tree measuring equipment such as a clinometer and a relaskop.

 

In addition to fieldwork, we have also enjoyed educational activities. We toured a lumber mill to better understand the forest products industry and we visited the logging museum at Collier to gain an understanding of the progression of timber harvesting. Finally, we have observed ecological differences in forest stand types in our daily work. 

 

In closing, we have had fun all the way!

James: I am a student in Forest Engineering at Oregon State University, in my junior year. After I graduate I hope to work in the private timber industry designing forest roads, stream crossings, and harvest systems.