Hello, I live in Corvallis and urge you not to allow ebikes in OSU forests. They are dangerous for pedestrians, frightening to dogs and probably horses, and the whole point of being in the forest is getting some exercise. So please don't allow this unnecessary and dangerous thing. Make an exception for motorized wheelchairs for those who need them. Many bikers don't stop for pedestrians anyway when they speed downhill, so there are enough hazards now. Thank you.
Anonymous
01/12/2023
I love all the trails in the Mac/Dunn! I think more trail races should be permitted - big races are good for the community as they bring in more revenue. I also think permanent trail signs would be very helpful. I also would approve of ebikes, as for some people, it is the only way they can experience the forest.
Anonymous
06/07/2024
"Thank you for accepting public input. I favor a management plan that maximizes conservation. I'm concerned about the current rate of clear cutting. "
Anonymous
11/06/2022
Could you please explain why your comment form does not allow people to send emails (and submit attachments, such as articles, links, photos, etc.), while your "Submit a Question" link does (using the McDonaldDunnPlan@oregonstate.edu address)?
Also, how are these messages processed? One person reported that the associate dean handles them. That is hugely problematic from an integrity point of view, as the associate dean has played a key role in your autocratic forest planning process and won't respond to questions that are emailed to her. If you wish to have any measure of objectivity, messages should be handled by a neutral party. We saw the exact same "command and control" approach to the Elliott. Michael Collins (the CoF communications person) filtered all messages sent to OSU's so- called "Science Advisory Panel" - thus undermining the integrity of the panel and process. You will only lose more public trust by operating in this manner. This is NOT collaboration!
The public absolutely must have a right to submit comments with attachments (preferably via an email format). These messages must be handled by a neutral party. Public input (including emails and attachments) must be shared with both your so-called "Stakeholder Advisory Committee" and your "Faculty Planning Committee". There must also be some acknowledgement so that senders know their messages
have been shared with the SAC and FPC (without being censored).
Thanks in advance for your response.
Anonymous
02/15/2023
I have been running and walking on the trails in the McDonald Forest since 1995 and I really appreciate the interest in building new trails as well as maintaining older trails. I also appreciate the community engagement effort from the forest administrators and especially Matt McPharlin, working with him on trail build days is a joy. He is a real asset to the program.
Anonymous
10/23/2024
Anywhere regular mountain bikes are allowed e-bikes should also be allowed. There is no physical difference in what possible damage is created between the two types of bikes. The controversy came when elitist mountain bikers started pushing through bans with their noses in the air. There are all sorts of ways people enjoy themselves. As 50 plus persons my wife and I tread extremely lightly with our e-bikes but it's the only way we could get out and enjoy a place like this. Thank you
Anonymous
01/09/2023
The Mcdonald Dunn forest is an amazing place for the people of corvallis to get outside to take a walk, go for a run or hike, ride their horse or enjoy a bicycle ride. A huge thank you to everyone who works so hard to make this resource available to us. For me, I love to ride my bike in the forest. It would be great to see more trails built, specifically some that are bike only and appeal to more advanced riders. There are lots of trails that are "off the map" that currently attract the more advanced riders. Many of those riders regularly volunteer their time to help maintain the trails in the Mac forest as well. Having advanced level trails would help reduce congestion on more mellow trails that are better for hiking and running and would help keep trail volunteers excited about continuing to come maintain the forest. It would also assure that the trails being used have the opportunity to go through the impact studies etc I also support an annual parking pass fee to park at any of the trailheads to help raise money to take care of the forest, encourage people to use human powered methods to get to the forest and reduce emissions.
Anonymous
06/07/2024
I attended and zoomed in on the public forum Wed. June 5. Here's what I said and would like a reply on my questions:
I want to know who chooses the "experts for your study criteria and management plan? I also want to know how you avoid conflicts of interest between the College of Forestry and the time industry (including the logging and Timber Management Organizations)? I represent both the taxpayers of Oregon and those who donate funds to support OSU "Research Forests". We want to protect the natural habitats, the biodiversity of our forests, and old growth habitats. We are horribly alarmed at the indiscriminate "harvesting" of your "Research Forests" and have witnessed the destruction of canopy forests and habitats. Do you have any true naturalists and biologists, ornithologists and independent surveys that address the protection of the many non-human inhabitants (like nesting birds, raccoons, bears, cougars, and the many rodents that inhabit wooded areas). There is clearly a bias towards allowing the exploitation of nature and putting "capitalism" before the environmental impact of logging operations. The animals, the birds, the ecological health of your forests do not have a voice, nor a choice and many organizations that we also support like Oregon Wild, The Sierra Club, and the Environmental Defense Fund have all witnessed how the OSU College of Forestry sets priorities and accommodates the Timber Industry over the health of our states forests and natural habitats. When will you set forth a plan to truly protect and preserve the habitats that are left? When will you honor biodiversity over making money? We look forward to your answers and will hold you responsible for "...the management plan for the McDonald and Dunn Research Forests", as well as the other forest projects that you support or are involved in."
Anonymous
11/02/2022
I enjoy that the forest is a multi-use platform - that it allows recreation, harvesting and other conservation activities all in one place. As a long-time Corvallis resident the MacDunn forest is one of the treasures of this area. Having access to it for running and hiking, and getting my dogs into the forest, is one of the most valuable things about living in Corvallis. I hope that all continued plans continue to maximize the recreational access, including dog-friendly access, in addition to the conservation and management activities that occur.
Anonymous
02/14/2023
I would like to see even more trails especially for hiking/trail running in the forest. We really need more parking at the Oak Creek entrance. That is a true bottleneck to accessing such a great existing trail network.
Anonymous
10/23/2024
I am opposed to e-bikes in Mac Forest. Thank you.
Anonymous
01/09/2023
I wish to see a continued emphasis on a wide diversity of trails developed in the OSU McDonald research forests such as has been the precedent over the last decade. Examples include additions of trails such as No Secret, Log In (Lupine), Bozai, TnT, Dave's Trail and Hole in a Bucket. These efforts have increased the diversity of authorized trails to suite a wider range of skill levels, making the Corvallis area an attractive place to work and live with such a valuable recreation area nearby. As a member of the trail running and mountain biking community for the past 9 years, I believe that this recreation access to the McDonald-Dunn forests is number one reason that I live in Corvallis. I have been able to make new friends and connections through participating and volunteering for the legacy running events as well as trail building work days in the forest, and feel a greater sense of ownership for the trails I have helped maintain.
I also think that a realistic path forward for managing recreation access and use involves acknowledgement of the wide array of unauthorized trails in the forest - many exists and though they are not formally recognized, they still receive heavy use and are part of the dynamic human-nature interface. I would prefer to see these come into recognition by OSU and improved in ways that maintain their existing character but mitigate further erosion to most efficiently use volunteer labor efforts. I would also hope to see OSU embrace solutions to access issues currently facing these forests. Limited parking acts to regulate the user numbers, but with the Valley population expected to double by 2050, there should be adequate planning around managing recreation user numbers. Potential plans for additional parking, expansion of new trail head area (MLK Park for example) and working with local/regional stakeholders (Greenbelt Land Trust, Starker Forest) will be needed to appropriately manage the increasing user numbers. Additional provisions for transportation alternatives should be explored, such as a bus to trail head services or distributed parking passes to ensure equitable access. I value what the research forests offer the local community and recognize that the entities discussing management plan components have a tough task ahead of them with little options that will please all user groups and stakeholders. Thank you for considering these opinions in the future iteration of the management plan.
Anonymous
06/05/2024
According to the recent Biden admin. policies, indigenous knowledge is described as a kind of best available science, not superior to western science. I'm concerned about this kind of hyperbole and exaggeration (that suggests it's superior), I worry that it backfires - because I care about indigenous knowledge. Whomever said this, we all need to exercise more caution.
Anonymous
11/02/2022
What OSU Research Forests provide to the public lucky enough to live in this region is truly extraordinary and unique. Coming from Michigan, and a forest ecology graduate, I can tell you we have nothing comparable in terms both of the scale of the forest holdings and of the diversity of goals for which they are managed. It enables the public not only to experience these forests and recreate within them, but also to learn about forest history and what different forest management approaches look like, and why they are used. I sincerely hope the new management goals will continue and expand on this programming and safeguard the uniqueness of these forests.
I have not though about some of the questions being asked (fire prevention, climate change), but one thing that struck me while hiking through the forests was that, even in areas being managed primarily for timber production, very small modifications could still meet many of the goals for recreation. For instance, on the Davis-Nettleton loop that there were spots where a potential grand view across the landscape existed, and would have been possible with the removal of one or two trees closest to the road. Perhaps these considerations are already included when doing selective thinning.
Anonymous
02/13/2023
Easy access to such a beautiful forest, with miles of trail and fire roads, and no motorized recreational use, all at the border of town, is a resource that is unmatched in almost anywhere in the world. This means everything to me as a runner and lover of the forest. I understand that there must be a balance between the purposes of a research forest and the desire of many to recreate, so we all must make compromises. Of course it is disappointing when I see that a favorite trail has been logged over, but I am grateful there are so many options to enjoy the forest. One thing to consider: the area known to runners as "The Maze"--the island of Starker land in the middle of McDonald--is a gem with it's rugged terrain, miles of spaghetti trails in a small area, etc. There have long been rumors that this would be sold to OSU, and if this happens, then the trails through this area, which have been run for decades, would suddenly become unauthorized. Consequently, this area would no longer be allowed to be used for the Mac 50k. What a tragedy this would be! My suggestion is that if this portion of land is transferred to OSU, let's allow this portion of the forest to remain "wild" so that it can continue to be used by bikers, runners and the organizers of the 50k.
Anonymous
10/23/2024
I would prefer that e-bikes be allowed in Mac Dunn. I ride both conventional and e- mountain bikes, and a I get older, the e- bike allows me to access trails, inclines and distance I could not otherwise. The e- bike does not make noise louder than my conventional bike, nor does it allow speed different from what I can do conventionally. I am not aware of how the e-bike would impact anyone other than the rider differently than a standard bike and it improves access for a demographic that might not otherwise be able to enjoy the trail system. For these reasons, I'd ask that the prohibition of e-bikes be lifted. Thanks.
Anonymous
01/09/2023
An increase in the diversity and quantity of mountain bike legal trails in the forest is needed. Specifically, I think more advanced trails are needed in the McDonald forest. Also, I'd like to see less clear cutting in forest.
Anonymous
11/01/2022
We are so grateful for the forests! As a recreational user who has severe asthma, I always appreciate knowing when there is going to be burning so I can be sure to stay away. Thank you for this consideration as you continue to manage the forest.
Anonymous
02/13/2023
As an avid trail user I appreciate the trails in the Mac-Dunn. I support the development of more multiuse trails.
Anonymous
09/25/2024
I appreciate the publicly-posted responses to the questions asked at the Community Listening Session, and I have a better understanding now of why Scenario E produces biodiversity modeling results that seem completely illogical. I am wondering if the next round of modeling will separate out the "ecosystems of concern" from the "mature forest reserves", since the two management strategies produce biodiversity results that would seem to cancel each other out when lumped together. It is a design flaw with Scenario E left as it is: a person interested in increasing biodiversity across the entirely of the Mac-Dunn would glance at the current results and decide that Scenario E is a bad choice for the animals that live in this forest. Clearly, that is not the case. Please correct this problem!
Anonymous
01/08/2023
Afternoon,
I welcome this opportunity to provide input in an on-line, virtual avenues. Attending some of the listening and in-person sessions has been difficult to schedule around a young family. I wanted to raise a couple suggestions or pointers:
1) The Mac-Dunn forest is an incredible resource for OSU and Corvallis. While it is an OSU 'laboratory', the forests close to town are different and valued by the whole community. It is often overlooked that the Mac-Dunn plays a significant factor for attracting new faculty & students, maintain happy and healthy faculty & students, and retaining existing high performing faculty across the university. As a result, the utilization of the forest, while within the College of Forestry's individual purvey, has trickle on impacts across the university.
2) While mountain bikers are a significant user of the OSU forests around Corvallis, many of us have remained silent due to ever-changing authorizations and associated complexities of our activities and use in the forest. This is to the detriment of CoF, OSU and the Corvallis. Mountain biking has been a significant economic boon for communities across the PNW and a driving force for the economic diversification of many towns like those surrounding OSU in Corvallis.
3) While the Mac-Dunn has a good selection of 'green circle' and basic 'blue square' trails, it lacks purpose built 'black diamond' trails. The development of multiple new advanced' black diamond trails will lessen conflict, and potential injury, with other trail users (hikers, walkers, horse riders) since the riders will be on separate purpose built trails. I would like to advocate strenuously for the development of multiple new advanced/black diamond trails.
4) A note about dual-use/dual direction trails. While at first glance, these trails appear to provide the most 'usability' for every single mile of trail, they have been shown to increase the risk of collision and, unfortunately, conflict between forest and trail users. The development of dedicated 'up only' trails will limit these incidents and minimize conflict. Thank you once again for the opportunity to provide input.
Cheers.
Anonymous
06/05/2024
Reference to “experts” who won’t self-identify is concerning. You see the problem here, yes? Sadly it reminds of the recent past when experts were very clearly apologists for the timber industry, are these the same experts? How would anyone know? You can do better than the department of forestry past. So do better.
Anonymous
10/31/2022
I don't believe it's an understatement that I have watched dozens of kids and adults lives change for the better through access to OSU's research forests on mountain bikes.
Our Corvallis youth mountain bike team is working hard too introduce our youth to an activity that improves their mental and physical health while collaborating with the community and nature to share this resource.
I recognize this as a privilege and want to thank OSU and other forest users for their continued support of this next generation. I feel that access to this land with emphasis on mutual respect for each other and the resource will continue to promote a vibrant and healthy community
Anonymous
02/13/2023
Thank you for the opportunity to share my comments. I only have three main
ones:
1) building a trail connecting Road 600 (sharp corner) to the top of beautiful hydra (far end closest to road 600) would be grand!
2) there is a rumor going around that the dean of the college of forestry doesn't agree with cleaning after your dog while visiting the forest. Apparently he believes the poop provides some nitrogen to the soil. I'm not a soil scientist, but I wonder if he really understands that the issue is not one or two poops a day. The issue is the number of dogs that visit the forest in just one day. Last I heard that number was around 100+ dogs a day! PLEASE, we need to continue to clean up after our dogs. We spent (I was part of the committee) lots of hours working on the "happy tails on trails" campaign educating people about the importance of cleaning after our dogs ... and yes I was part of the cleaning crew that picked up in just a few hours 80+ pounds of poop at Oak creek gate alone!
3) Re: electric bikes, if research forest is going to allow e-bikes on roads and trails (I prefer just keeping them on roads!) I hope they make a distinction between assisted bikes and motorized ones! I have no issues with assisted bikes. I wrote three comments this morning, Feb 13. I'd like to withdraw comment #2 re: dog poop/cleaning. It was a misunderstanding and a bad rumor. Apologies! Comments #1 and #3 are still good. Thanks!
Anonymous
10/22/2024
Just say no to e-bikes on forest trails! If the average rider is not responsible on the pavement, they certainly aren't going to be responsible on trails. Speed limits won't be observed. Designated areas won't be observed. Pedestrian and animal safety won't be observed. And why bother spend time in the forest if you're just going to zip through at 25 miles an hour?
Hello, I live in Corvallis and urge you not to allow ebikes in OSU forests. They are dangerous for pedestrians, frightening to dogs and probably horses, and the whole point of being in the forest is getting some exercise. So please don't allow this unnecessary and dangerous thing. Make an exception for motorized wheelchairs for those who need them. Many bikers don't stop for pedestrians anyway when they speed downhill, so there are enough hazards now. Thank you.
I love all the trails in the Mac/Dunn! I think more trail races should be permitted - big races are good for the community as they bring in more revenue. I also think permanent trail signs would be very helpful. I also would approve of ebikes, as for some people, it is the only way they can experience the forest.
"Thank you for accepting public input. I favor a management plan that maximizes conservation. I'm concerned about the current rate of clear cutting. "
I have been running and walking on the trails in the McDonald Forest since 1995 and I really appreciate the interest in building new trails as well as maintaining older trails. I also appreciate the community engagement effort from the forest administrators and especially Matt McPharlin, working with him on trail build days is a joy. He is a real asset to the program.
Anywhere regular mountain bikes are allowed e-bikes should also be allowed. There is no physical difference in what possible damage is created between the two types of bikes. The controversy came when elitist mountain bikers started pushing through bans with their noses in the air. There are all sorts of ways people enjoy themselves. As 50 plus persons my wife and I tread extremely lightly with our e-bikes but it's the only way we could get out and enjoy a place like this. Thank you
The Mcdonald Dunn forest is an amazing place for the people of corvallis to get outside to take a walk, go for a run or hike, ride their horse or enjoy a bicycle ride. A huge thank you to everyone who works so hard to make this resource available to us. For me, I love to ride my bike in the forest. It would be great to see more trails built, specifically some that are bike only and appeal to more advanced riders. There are lots of trails that are "off the map" that currently attract the more advanced riders. Many of those riders regularly volunteer their time to help maintain the trails in the Mac forest as well. Having advanced level trails would help reduce congestion on more mellow trails that are better for hiking and running and would help keep trail volunteers excited about continuing to come maintain the forest. It would also assure that the trails being used have the opportunity to go through the impact studies etc I also support an annual parking pass fee to park at any of the trailheads to help raise money to take care of the forest, encourage people to use human powered methods to get to the forest and reduce emissions.
I attended and zoomed in on the public forum Wed. June 5. Here's what I said and would like a reply on my questions:
I want to know who chooses the "experts for your study criteria and management plan? I also want to know how you avoid conflicts of interest between the College of Forestry and the time industry (including the logging and Timber Management Organizations)? I represent both the taxpayers of Oregon and those who donate funds to support OSU "Research Forests". We want to protect the natural habitats, the biodiversity of our forests, and old growth habitats. We are horribly alarmed at the indiscriminate "harvesting" of your "Research Forests" and have witnessed the destruction of canopy forests and habitats. Do you have any true naturalists and biologists, ornithologists and independent surveys that address the protection of the many non-human inhabitants (like nesting birds, raccoons, bears, cougars, and the many rodents that inhabit wooded areas). There is clearly a bias towards allowing the exploitation of nature and putting "capitalism" before the environmental impact of logging operations. The animals, the birds, the ecological health of your forests do not have a voice, nor a choice and many organizations that we also support like Oregon Wild, The Sierra Club, and the Environmental Defense Fund have all witnessed how the OSU College of Forestry sets priorities and accommodates the Timber Industry over the health of our states forests and natural habitats. When will you set forth a plan to truly protect and preserve the habitats that are left? When will you honor biodiversity over making money? We look forward to your answers and will hold you responsible for "...the management plan for the McDonald and Dunn Research Forests", as well as the other forest projects that you support or are involved in."
I enjoy that the forest is a multi-use platform - that it allows recreation, harvesting and other conservation activities all in one place. As a long-time Corvallis resident the MacDunn forest is one of the treasures of this area. Having access to it for running and hiking, and getting my dogs into the forest, is one of the most valuable things about living in Corvallis. I hope that all continued plans continue to maximize the recreational access, including dog-friendly access, in addition to the conservation and management activities that occur.
I would like to see even more trails especially for hiking/trail running in the forest. We really need more parking at the Oak Creek entrance. That is a true bottleneck to accessing such a great existing trail network.
I am opposed to e-bikes in Mac Forest. Thank you.
According to the recent Biden admin. policies, indigenous knowledge is described as a kind of best available science, not superior to western science. I'm concerned about this kind of hyperbole and exaggeration (that suggests it's superior), I worry that it backfires - because I care about indigenous knowledge. Whomever said this, we all need to exercise more caution.
Easy access to such a beautiful forest, with miles of trail and fire roads, and no motorized recreational use, all at the border of town, is a resource that is unmatched in almost anywhere in the world. This means everything to me as a runner and lover of the forest. I understand that there must be a balance between the purposes of a research forest and the desire of many to recreate, so we all must make compromises. Of course it is disappointing when I see that a favorite trail has been logged over, but I am grateful there are so many options to enjoy the forest. One thing to consider: the area known to runners as "The Maze"--the island of Starker land in the middle of McDonald--is a gem with it's rugged terrain, miles of spaghetti trails in a small area, etc. There have long been rumors that this would be sold to OSU, and if this happens, then the trails through this area, which have been run for decades, would suddenly become unauthorized. Consequently, this area would no longer be allowed to be used for the Mac 50k. What a tragedy this would be! My suggestion is that if this portion of land is transferred to OSU, let's allow this portion of the forest to remain "wild" so that it can continue to be used by bikers, runners and the organizers of the 50k.
I would prefer that e-bikes be allowed in Mac Dunn. I ride both conventional and e- mountain bikes, and a I get older, the e- bike allows me to access trails, inclines and distance I could not otherwise. The e- bike does not make noise louder than my conventional bike, nor does it allow speed different from what I can do conventionally. I am not aware of how the e-bike would impact anyone other than the rider differently than a standard bike and it improves access for a demographic that might not otherwise be able to enjoy the trail system. For these reasons, I'd ask that the prohibition of e-bikes be lifted. Thanks.
An increase in the diversity and quantity of mountain bike legal trails in the forest is needed. Specifically, I think more advanced trails are needed in the McDonald forest. Also, I'd like to see less clear cutting in forest.
We are so grateful for the forests! As a recreational user who has severe asthma, I always appreciate knowing when there is going to be burning so I can be sure to stay away. Thank you for this consideration as you continue to manage the forest.
As an avid trail user I appreciate the trails in the Mac-Dunn. I support the development of more multiuse trails.
I appreciate the publicly-posted responses to the questions asked at the Community Listening Session, and I have a better understanding now of why Scenario E produces biodiversity modeling results that seem completely illogical. I am wondering if the next round of modeling will separate out the "ecosystems of concern" from the "mature forest reserves", since the two management strategies produce biodiversity results that would seem to cancel each other out when lumped together. It is a design flaw with Scenario E left as it is: a person interested in increasing biodiversity across the entirely of the Mac-Dunn would glance at the current results and decide that Scenario E is a bad choice for the animals that live in this forest. Clearly, that is not the case. Please correct this problem!
Reference to “experts” who won’t self-identify is concerning. You see the problem here, yes? Sadly it reminds of the recent past when experts were very clearly apologists for the timber industry, are these the same experts? How would anyone know? You can do better than the department of forestry past. So do better.
Just say no to e-bikes on forest trails! If the average rider is not responsible on the pavement, they certainly aren't going to be responsible on trails. Speed limits won't be observed. Designated areas won't be observed. Pedestrian and animal safety won't be observed. And why bother spend time in the forest if you're just going to zip through at 25 miles an hour?