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
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
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
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
Reed Wilson
10/30/2022
In the minutes of a 2022 OSU Board of Trustees meeting. the topic was the acquisition of the Elliott State Forest as research forest for OSU's College of Forestry. I noted a statement that no commercial logging occurred in the Elliott State Forest after 2013.
This is why: the Endangered Species Act. A group of concerned citizens were certified as surveyors for marbled murrelets, a fish-eating seabird that flies inland to nest on the wide mossy limbs of old growth trees. Marbled murrelets are listed as threatened under the Endangered Species Act due to habitat fragmentation caused by commercial logging. At the time, the Oregon Department of Forestry had some two dozen timber sales planned in the Elliott. The citizen surveyors conducted pre-dawn surveys in and near proposed timber sales in the Elliott and sighted numerous marbled murrelets exhibiting nesting behavior.
Subsequently conservation groups banded together and filed an ESA lawsuit against the state. The lawsuit was successful, and the state was forced to withdraw all timber sales in the Elliott.
This was the beginning of a years long process that culminated in the OSU College of Forestry acquiring management of the Elliott as a research forest, after numerous meetings of the State Land Board, and the testimony of hundreds of citizens advocating conservation of older forests.
Red tree voles are one of nearly three hundred old growth associated species whose habitat has been severely fragmented by commercial logging, and are listed under the Survey and Manage program of the Northwest Forest Plan for federal lands as a Category C, requiring ten acre buffers for documented nest sites.
Red tree voles and flying squirrels are arboreal mammals that live and nest in the forest canopy, and are primary food sources for northern spotted owls. US Fish and Wildlife has issued a statement that red tree voles are on the candidate list for consideration as threatened or endangered in the North Coast Region, which includes McDonald-Dunn. If the north coast population of tree voles is listed under the Endangered Species Act, it will be essential for the College of Forestry to take steps to protect populations. Without pre-disturbance surveys, this would be impossible. Surveys would be required to protocol in or near harvest stands before logging could proceed.
Red tree vole populations may exist in the few remaining stands of old growth forest in McDonald-Dunn. To satisfy the requirement of the ESA that agencies take steps not only for the protection of listed species, but to aid in their recovery, it would be prudent of the College of Forestry not only to conduct surveys for red tree voles, but to conserve corridors between existing islands of suitable habitat, and allow red tree voles to exchange genetics and adapt to changing climate conditions. This would have the side benefit of connecting old forest reserves in Mcdonald-Dunn for all old growth associated species, and allowing existing stands to continue absorbing greenhouse gases to mitigate climate change.
Commercial logging is the single greatest source of greenhouse gas emissions in Oregon. In the Oregon Legislature, Senate Bill 1534 was introduced in the 2022 short session, which "Establishes state policy to increase net carbon sequestration and storage in natural and working lands and waters." In 2022, SB 1534 was relegated to the Ways and Means Committee before adjournment with a recommendation by the Senate President "Do pass, with amendments". If SB 1534 passes in the 2023 session, OSU, as a state entity, should have a complete carbon inventory and analysis of the capacity for carbon storage of the research forests in place beforehand, and taylor new management plans to increase sequestration.
Anonymous
10/30/2022
While I am genuinely pleased to see so many comments from OSU College of Forestry alumni, I am disappointed that none of them -- not one -- advocates for anything other than continuing the same harvests and intensive management practices. Currently, 97% of the Mac-Dunn is under some form of "active forest management". Three percent remains in mature/old growth reserves. THREE PERCENT. Given the myriad known benefits and ecosystem services uncut forest provides, that is an absurd imbalance.
It does not speak well of OSU that graduates of its world-class College of Forestry don't seem to find any other values in a forest besides MBF. I would have expected somebody to advocate for other aspects of being a forester besides resource extraction. The school has failed if none of its graduates see the need for a broader concept of management, one that includes larger forest reserves within the McDonald-Dunn.
Anonymous
10/25/2022
I have lived out in Soap Creek Valley for almost 35 years. There is a lot more traffic and people visiting OSU at all entrances into the forest in the past five. Since OSU is encouraging people to recreate at these different areas I would hope they would provide more doggie bags for all the dog walkers. I feel there should be a dispenser at every gate and trailhead.
Anonymous
10/24/2022
I have concerns about the effectiveness of the community listening sessions as currently structured. I understand and appreciate the desire to provide multiple venues for participation. But having some folks in a room together, and other people conducting a different session on Zoom, and a third party synthesizing all of the comments and providing them in a list of bullet points to the committee members strikes me as a perfect recipe for poor communication. If the CoF is genuinely interested in hearing feedback from the community, I would recommend:
* requiring all members of BOTH committees to be present (there to listen, not speak)
* choosing a single format (in person OR zoom) and keeping all participants together
Basically, the public should be able to address the people creating the forest plan directly, and this doesn't seem that hard to achieve.
(Also, the recordings of previous zoom meetings have been plagued with technical difficulties, making hearing what is being said and who is speaking nearly impossible to discern. I trust those issues will be fixed for the upcoming Faculty Planning Committee meeting...)
Thank you!
Anonymous
10/22/2022
I am 62 years old, retired early, and diagnosed with Progressive Peripheral Polyneuropathy. What this means is that the nerves in my legs (and arms) are deteriorating
and I will continue to lose muscle strength, which has already started in my lower legs. There is no known treatment for this and it will gradually advance so that eventually, I will no longer have the use of my legs. I wear set of prosthetic orthotic braces that allow me to walk and, importantly, ride a bicycle. My calf muscles are very weak - I can no longer raise my heels to stand on my toes or the balls of my feet. The brace surrounds my foot and makes up for the lack of lower leg strength. Fortunately, I am still able to ride, though with some limitations in both mobility and strength. I still ride ride both road and mountain bikes regularly for exercise and enjoyment; I have ridden both my road and mountain bike in the McDonald Forest since moving here 9 months ago. I am here to advocate for e-bike access to (at least some subset) of trails in the forest. I have recently purchased an e-MTB, which has been a game changer in allowing me to ride longer, farther, and safer (less tired = better control). I have NOT ridden my e-bike in the McDonald forest, respecting the current rule prohibiting their use on forest trails. It is defined as a bicycle equipped with fully operable pedals and equipped with an electric motor of less than 750 Watts. There are three classes of e-bikes, which are important for the present discussion.
Class 1: A bicycle with a motor that assists only when the rider pedals and stops assisting when the bicycle reaches 20 miles per hour.
Class 2: A bicycle with a motor that may be used exclusively to propel the bicycle, and that stops assisting when the bicycle reaches 20 miles per hour.
Class 3: A bicycle with a motor that assists only when the rider pedals, stops assisting when the bicycle reaches 28 miles per hour and is equipped with a speedometer.
Unfortunately, Oregon has not adopted this three class system. Oregon classifies e-bikes as “electric assisted bicycles,” and they are regulated like bicycles, so long as the bicycle’s motor has a maximum power output of 1,000w, has pedals that propel the bike with human power and the bike doesn’t exceed 20mph. To be clear, what I am advocating for in the McDonald forest is trail access for Class 1 e-bikes only. A Class 1 e-MTB is nearly indistinguishable from a regular mountain bike, and people often have a difficult time distinguishing between "e" and regular mountain bike, especially vwith the advent of the new "lightweight" e-MTBs made by Trek, Specialized, Orbea and other manufacturers. Class 2 and 3 e-bikes should be permitted on forest roads. E-bike sales and usage is growing rapidly. E-bike sales are growing rapidly - as much as 16x regular bikes. 880,000 e-bikes were sold in 2021, and industry experts predict > 1M sold in 2022. People for bikes predicts 12M electric bikes will be sold by 20301. Almost all brands of Mountain Bikes have one or more electric models. The latest trend is in "lightweight" e-MTBs, with less powerful motors, smaller batteries, and weights very close to "standard" mountain bikes.
Potential Concerns about e-bike access in the Mac Forest, addressed
Trail Impacts
A growing body of evidence suggests that mountain biking impacts to trails (soils, water quality, vegetation) are similar to hiking and less than equestrian and motorized use. The biggest impact is due to the design and construction of trails. IMBA and the BLM did a small, quantitative study of trail impacts comparing (Class 1) e-MTBs with regular MTBs and motorcycles2. There was not a significant difference in measured soil erosion and displacement between Class 1 eMTBs and regular MTBs, but much less than that associated with motorcycle use. This lends some credence to the position of many bicycling advocacy groups to recommend that Class 1 e-MTBs be classified at bicycles (rather than motorized vehicles) in terms of land management and usage decisions. Speed and Safety. Reviewing surveys about e-bike trail access indicates that a major concern about e-bikes from other user groups is around speed and safety, with the perception that e-bikes result in higher speeds on the trails. A study in the Tahoe National Forest looked at the speed of e-bike vs MTB users and found that when traveling over flat or downhill surfaces, e-bikes are no faster than traditional mountain bikes. When traveling uphill, e-bikes tended to be 1-2 mph faster than traditional mountain bikes, but that speed variation was smaller than the uphill speed variation between beginner and advanced riders3. This mirrors my personal experience. In riding flat or descending, speed is more a matter of rider skill and trail design than e-bike vs traditional bike. I also find that I am able to ride uphill faster on my e-bike than on my regular mountain bike, but again, I feel that my uphill speed is limited by my skill level.
Conflict - Perception and Reality
Surveys of other trail users indicate that when perceived conflicts are reported, they are related to the feeling that e-bikes travel at higher speeds. Those perceptions tended to change when users saw or used an e-bike, and did not match the observation that traditional mountain bikes travel as fast or faster down trails than e-bikes. Furthermore, most users were unable to distinguish e-MTBs on trails4.
What other groups have said
Oregon State Parks
Electric assisted bicycles that fit the definition under Oregon law (ORS 801.258) may ride on bicycle trails 8 feet and wider unless otherwise marked5.
Federal Lands (BLM, USFS, etc)
In general, Federal lands define electric bikes by the three class system, but have not defined Class I e-bikes as “Non-motorized”, as has been requested by e-bike advocacy organizations. Each agency has methods to designate e-bike access (specifically, Class 1) to non-motorized trails. As of today, Class 1 e-bikes are permitted on some BLM and USFS trails6.
Washington Trails Association
I was unable to find a statement on e-bike access from the Oregon Trails Coalition, but here is a statement from our neighbors to the north:
WTA believes that everyone should be able to enjoy the benefits of the outdoors, and we support opportunities that create increased access. We know that e-bikes can help us achieve this mission by facilitating a more inclusive outdoor experience for people of all abilities. We believe that decisions regarding class 1 e-bike use, which is the class most similar to traditional mountain bikes, should be made on a trail-by-trail basis. We don’t think there should be a blanket policy that covers all non-motorized, multi-use natural surface trails. While one trail may be suitable for a class 1 e-bike, another trail may not. WTA believes that class 2 and 3 e-bikes should not be allowed on non-motorized, natural surface trails.7
Proposal
I propose that OSU allow access to Class 1 e-bikes to any trails currently open to mountain bikes (or, just bikes in general), and to all roads. As an alternative, I would propose that Class 1 e- bikes at least be allowed on those trails that are primary mountain bike trails.
At the very least, I would hope that OSU consider running an e-MTB Pilot project in the forest, designating some number of trails for e-MTB usage and collecting surevy and observational data from all trail users, using methods similar to those described in:
Despite how one may feel about the management plan of the OSU Research Forests, I think everyone that utilizes the forests can agree that they love the forests for one reason or another. How to steward the forests seems to be where the controversy lies.
I believe that the new management plan needs to utilize current data and technology to be at the forefront of land management. An example of utilizing current data is the scientific fact that trees store carbon and when converted into wood products, that carbon remains within the wood products. This information right here is nothing short of amazing, and is something that should be highly considered when putting together a new management plan for the leading forestry institute of the world. Now this isn't to say clear cut the whole research forest, rather I suggest continuing on utilizing both cut-to-length thinning operations as well as variable retention harvests where seen fit. I believe the research forests does an excellent job at managing stands to become mature stands prior to harvesting, and even when harvesting those mature stands the research forest has done an excellent job at preserving the older structural trees that have many benefits to the landscape such as wildlife habitat and seed trees.
Active forest management utilizing cut-to-length thinnings, variable density harvests is something that OSU needs to continue to do. The funds generated from active forest management help fund the research forest as well as the College of Forestry. OSU needs to continue to be stewards of the land and continue to help preserve other ecosystem services such as water, wildlife, and recreation
Anonymous
09/27/2022
It is vitally important that active commercial forest management be maintained as one part of the focus of management on the McDonald-Dunn research forest lands. Using these lands to train the next generation of Foresters in real world management scenarios is critical to helping foster sustainable yield forest management throughout the United States. As a Unit Forester for Washington DNR I have had more than one OSU graduate work for me. It is apparent that their education from OSU was influenced by their ability to participate in and learn from active forest management while in school. I cannot overstate the beneficial value of this practical component to their education, and the influence that it had on their ability to make decisions not just as foresters but as land managers and stewards of state managed forests.
In addition to the educational benefits of sustained yield forest management, there are also benefits to our society in maintaining a viable commercial forest management component to these research lands. Without a continued supply of sustainably and locally produced forest resources, our society will inevitably have to import our forest products. These products are more often than not imported from countries that do not have the same robust environmental protection framework that we benefit from here. In addition the greenhouse gas footprint of these imported products will be dramatically higher. Maintaining active sustained yield forestry on the McDonald-Dunn research lands will demonstrate a commitment that OSU is an active partner in ensuring our forest products are produced in the most sustainable and equitable manner possible. These research lands are uniquely situated to support an array of forest management objectives that would foster collaborative participation in the lands management process
Anonymous
09/24/2022
As a former OSU student (one who had the great opportunity to work for the Research Forests while in school) and now as a professional forester, I’m glad to see that updates are being made to the management plan for the McDonald and Dunn research forests. As advancements in forest science and research are made, it is important to consider and incorporate them into the plans that guide the management of these lands. Similarly, it is also important to consider the changes in local perception and community use of these lands. I would encourage the Advisory Committee to make the updates and changes to the management plan as they feel necessary as long as education, stewardship, and sustainable forest management remain primary goals. Given that the original intent for this land was for “the use and benefit of the School of Forestry”, I would also encourage the Advisory Committee to honor that intent and continue to make student education and research opportunities a priority. It is important to acknowledge that sustainable timber harvest on these lands provides funding for these opportunities, and it is imperative that OSU continues to provide this vital service to students and the local communities. I appreciate the opportunity to comment on the revision of management plan and hope that the Research Forests remains a good example of how forests can be managed for multiple use objectives.
Anonymous
09/23/2022
I am expecting that this plan re-make will be in alignment with the expectations of Mrs McDonald’s gifting intentions. Those intentions were that the forest would be managed in a sustainable way to support the College of Forestry. This means that in the plan there should be all types of cutting plans. Thinning, commercial thinning and clear cuts. As well as cutting, there should be planting and research about various research projects that will help to educate the future generations so the the research forest will be a vibrant and healthy lab in perpetuity.
Eric Thompson
09/23/2022
Please increase your active forest management of the Mac/Dunn forest. As a neighboring timberland owner and active forester I am concerned that with all of the public multiple use you are allowing it is increasing the long term risks to our community.. As a research and demonstration forest active management and harvesting trees to support our school please continue to clear cut and actively lower fuels on your forests.OSU should aggressively engage in profitable harvest and fuel reduction work to keep our communities fire safe. As a user of the forest for recreation I see the number of community members that use the forest for recreation and applaud you for your multiuse efforts. Please don’t let your the community use get in the way of active management. I am hopeful through education and demonstration you can increase revenue to OSU, provide community recreation opportunities and make a fire safe neighbor to Corvallis and your rural neighbors.
Thank you for your leadership in forestry worldwide, please use the forest as the lab to drive new ideas and forest management for our nation.
Anonymous
09/22/2022
The McDonald and Dunn Research forests are very valuable to the College of Forestry. That being said, the value of the forests is to allow students in the Forestry programs to perform labs and research on the forest. There is little to no value to the students or staff of the College to not have any harvest taking place on the forest. They can perform all of the research they want on intact forests that aren't being managed on the nearby Siuslaw national forest. The McDonald and Dunn forests can be managed in a manner that proves how to harvest timber in a responsible, safe, and environmentally delicate manner. The educational opportunities that the two managed forests offers to students cannot be understated. If the College of Forestry can't manage those two forests for all of the benefits that they can provide, then what does that say as their abilities as foresters and subject matter experts?
Anonymous
09/21/2022
I am a current professional forester for a private company in southern Oregon. I currently work in silviculture which includes tree planting, vegetation control, thinning, and forest health.
Please be sure to consult current resource professionals on the practicality of each type of treatment that is allowed within the management plan. Be sure that operations are logical based on the most modern equipment that is available, with cost constraints involved. OSU is managed for multiple uses, which means that money is not always the number one priority (this can be really good!). While the bottom line isn't always the most important factor in deciding treatments for the forests, the funds have to come from somewhere to get valuable work done. If the constraints on treatments are impractical from a cost perspective, the decision to initiate a treatment will become a money sink for the University. If the costs become too expensive, OSU may be discouraged from doing any treatments at all. Here are a few examples that are possible problems if professionals are not consulted on treatment
practicality:
If the use of herbicides were completely prevented on the forest, noxious weeds like scotch broom, false-brome, gorse, or Himalayan blackberry will become extremely difficult to control. Herbicides when used safely and efficiently are one of the best ways to prevent invasive species from overtaking the forest ecosystem.
Preventing certain sized trees from being cut can cause serious hazards for recreators within the forest. While large residual trees are important from an ecological perspective, a rotten tree hanging over a road or trail will inevitably fall at some point. This would pose a serious threat to anybody within the area. Managers should have an ability to remove anything that poses a threat to recreators in a cost-effective way.
From another perspective, fire resistance may be compromised if the wrong trees are left standing. For example, grand fir trees can grow quite large.
However, they have little to no fire resistance. With fire becoming more and more of a reality in western Oregon, managers need to maintain a forest that will be able to withstand/recover from fire events. Otherwise, large swaths of land may burn to a crisp. Extremely high expenses will be involved to fight the flames, as well as reestablish the forest. Harvesting can get extremely expensive if proper contractors with efficient equipment are limited in what they are able to do. While we should protect soil quality, water quality, and the landscape-scale ecosystem with each harvest treatment, we should also remember that these treatments are the primary source of revenue for the forest.
It is incredible that the OSU Research Forests can provide so many benefits to the surrounding Corvallis area, while not necessarily needing additional funds from the university to maintain the Forests. As attending college becomes more and more expensive for the general public, please do not think it is okay to load the leftover costs on students who already have to take out thousands of dollars in loans every year.
Mike McKibbin
09/21/2022
My name is Mike Mckibbin and I graduated from the college of Forestry in 1995. I now work as the Director of Western Resources for Stimson Lumber Company. The McDonald Dunn Forest is an important part of the forestry program at OSU serving as a living laboratory to enhance the experience of the student body. Recently there has been a lot of concern around active management of the area from surrounding landowners and the environmental movement. I would encourage the College of Forestry to continue to grow and harvest trees on the forest in a sustainable way to enhance the learning opportunities of the students. That has always been the mission and vision of this land. Harvesting timber is an important part of the learning process and was a critical part of my experience at Oregon State. Please do not underestimate the importance of this to the forestry program or the role it plays in our industry. For many students, like me, this is the first opportunity they have to see and learn about the virtues of intensive forest management.
Thank you for your consideration of this request.
Anonymous
09/21/2022
From my perspective as a college of Forestry graduate who worked on the college forest as part of the student logging program, I feel that the college does not fully utilize the resource it has.
It seems to me that the forest is prioritized for use as a public park, and graduate and doctoral research lab than as economic resource for the school. As an undergraduate, we were exposed to very little of the research that was taking place on the forest beyond the occasional field lab. As a member of the student logging training program, our efforts to generate income from the school seemed to be at odds with the emphasis on public recreation on the forest.
The management plan pushing as much of the forest in to over mature, late seral habitat seems contradictory to a school that is sponsored and produces young foresters who are hired by industrial forestry companies. Maintaining this forest plan also limits the economic benefit of timber harvest for the school and surrounding community. Further, the plan limits the benefit of the forest to society as a whole in terms to carbon sequestration.
I believe the forest plan should prioritize a more active, working forest. I believe such a plan would provide better educational opportunities to the students, better economic opportunities to the school and community through timber revenue, and would provide recreational opportunities to those use use the forest that way.
Anonymous
09/21/2022
OSU’s Research Forest has been and will continue to be an extremely important part of Oregon’s natural environment. A huge number of research projects, both completed and ongoing, have addressed the regions growing and continuing need for forest products. Demand for Forest products will continue to rise with an ever growing population. This research has provided much needed input into regulations regarding the extraction and use of our Forest products. Oregon and the PNW have developed the greatest set of rules to provide an environmentally friendly, sustainable and low carbon emission building products. No where else on earth do we have forest rules that are as stringent as here in the PNW.
A forest is an ever evolving entity. At no time does it stop growing, living, breathing and dying. Before man’s intervention fire was a huge component of the forest landscape. Fire was the component that kept the forest in balance. Without fire man has to manage the forest so that it continues to thrive. We cannot simply lock it up. Ongoing harvests replace the needed element of fire on the landscape.
Please continue to allow the Research Forest to provide much needed opportunities for recreation, research and education. We cannot turn the forest into a park with no active management allowed. The forest will simply die over time. The forest needs us as much as we need it.
Anonymous
09/21/2022
As both a graduate of OSU in Forest Management (1974) and a purchaser of sawlogs for Georgia Pacific in Philomath, and pulp logs for Pacific Fibre Products the school forests provide students an opportunity to learn about harvest, help supply raw materials to local forest product manufacturers, and financial income to OSU. I encourage the university to continue sustainably managing all of the College of Forestry lands
Tim Martin
09/21/2022
My name is Tim Martin. I am both a proud OSU COF Alum ('14) and the forester/ log buyer for Murphy Company's Foster Veneer Plant in Sweet Home, Oregon. I've
spent time in the McDonald Dunn Research Forest since 2009 as a student, as a recreating Corvallis resident, and as professional forester bidding on timber. The
McDonald Dunn is special because it's able to provide research opportunities, educational opportunities, recreation, and fantastic timber. It is a Research Forest. It is not a State Park, nor is it an industrial tree farm. This forest is where I learned how to be a forester, where I mountain biked, where I hike with my family, and most importantly, the McDonald Dunn has been a source of timber for the mill that employs me, jobs for local loggers that I personally care about, and a source revenue for the forest and school that I love.
It is not news that the forest industry in Oregon is facing a major challenge with labor and timber supply going forward. The industry is struggling to attract young leaders and the Private Forest Accord, ODF HCP, and the catastrophic effects of the Labor Day 2020 fires are combining to create a major timber supply problem for local mills, particularly mills that require an older log to create engineered products such as laminated veneer lumber, cross laminated timber beams, and stress tested lumber. The McDonald Dunn's timber program has been a reliable source of timber for local mills that desperately need it. I arrived at OSU not knowing the difference between a Doug-fir and a pine tree. The timber management and logging done on the McDonald Dunn showed me not only what sustainable forestry was, but that a career in sustainable forestry is exciting, challenging, and rewarding. I urge you to keep timber production as a main objective for the McDonald Dunn Research Forest because the local economy relies on the high quality timber and the industry needs the forest to continue inspiring young students to pursue careers in forestry. The students need to see logging first hand. They need to see the engineering, silviculture, and science that goes into making the wood products that Oregonians love and use everyday in their homes and hobbies. OSU is a leader in forestry and it's vital that the students and members of the Corvallis community see timber management done correctly. They need to see the whole process, from seedling to harvest, in order to understand that sustainable forestry is part of Oregon's future, not its past.
Anonymous
09/18/2022
I'm a neighbor of Mac Forest, and it has felt lately as if the College of Forestry can't see the forest for the value of the trees--as if you are interested only in a crop rather than a forest--for its ultimate health as an ecosystem. How do you see balancing those views going forward? What percentage of this plan will focus on "Net Revenue," the second focus after education, versus the ecological, cultural, and human concerns--including the impact on the planet when you cut down one of the most efficient ways to reduce greenhouse gas? I don't expect a response, but I do hope you will consider this and answer it within the management plan you eventually create.
I've also felt that the "purpose" of the deforestation of late has been somewhat disingenuous. In particular, saying the recent meadow cut is about preserving the oaks is odd because there are very few oaks in that meadow, but it does contain a pioneer orchard worth preserving.
Anonymous
09/17/2022
Having a working forest with roads and trails nearby is a boon for residents in the area. I am grateful for that at 79 years old to have this near my home. I have hiked our trails for years, but overcoming the frailty of age has caused me to change to bike riding.
I was told ebikes are prohibited. There are class 1 ebikes, with low power pedal assistance, which gives me the ability to ride on our hills at all.
I can see why we don't want various motor cycles ripping through the countryside. However Class 1 ebikes only provide a boost to pedalling. There are other places for racers to ride. I think restricting the weight and power of electric bikes allowed on trails can still allow for multi purpose use that those of us with restricted capabilities require to enjoy your roads and trails.
Thank you for your consideration.
Anonymous
09/15/2022
As an OSU College of Forestry alumni, 30 year practicing forester and manager of nearly fifty foresters, I believe that the McDonald Dunn forest presents a unique opportunity for students and professionals to see all aspects of Forestry - to include active management and timber harvesting. OSU foresters are better prepared for any career path that they embark, because of the exposure that they get at the college and near by resources
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.
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.
I have lived out in Soap Creek Valley for almost 35 years. There is a lot more traffic and people visiting OSU at all entrances into the forest in the past five. Since OSU is encouraging people to recreate at these different areas I would hope they would provide more doggie bags for all the dog walkers. I feel there should be a dispenser at every gate and trailhead.
As a former OSU student (one who had the great opportunity to work for the Research Forests while in school) and now as a professional forester, I’m glad to see that updates are being made to the management plan for the McDonald and Dunn research forests. As advancements in forest science and research are made, it is important to consider and incorporate them into the plans that guide the management of these lands. Similarly, it is also important to consider the changes in local perception and community use of these lands. I would encourage the Advisory Committee to make the updates and changes to the management plan as they feel necessary as long as education, stewardship, and sustainable forest management remain primary goals. Given that the original intent for this land was for “the use and benefit of the School of Forestry”, I would also encourage the Advisory Committee to honor that intent and continue to make student education and research opportunities a priority. It is important to acknowledge that sustainable timber harvest on these lands provides funding for these opportunities, and it is imperative that OSU continues to provide this vital service to students and the local communities. I appreciate the opportunity to comment on the revision of management plan and hope that the Research Forests remains a good example of how forests can be managed for multiple use objectives.
I am expecting that this plan re-make will be in alignment with the expectations of Mrs McDonald’s gifting intentions. Those intentions were that the forest would be managed in a sustainable way to support the College of Forestry. This means that in the plan there should be all types of cutting plans. Thinning, commercial thinning and clear cuts. As well as cutting, there should be planting and research about various research projects that will help to educate the future generations so the the research forest will be a vibrant and healthy lab in perpetuity.
The McDonald and Dunn Research forests are very valuable to the College of Forestry. That being said, the value of the forests is to allow students in the Forestry programs to perform labs and research on the forest. There is little to no value to the students or staff of the College to not have any harvest taking place on the forest. They can perform all of the research they want on intact forests that aren't being managed on the nearby Siuslaw national forest. The McDonald and Dunn forests can be managed in a manner that proves how to harvest timber in a responsible, safe, and environmentally delicate manner. The educational opportunities that the two managed forests offers to students cannot be understated. If the College of Forestry can't manage those two forests for all of the benefits that they can provide, then what does that say as their abilities as foresters and subject matter experts?
As both a graduate of OSU in Forest Management (1974) and a purchaser of sawlogs for Georgia Pacific in Philomath, and pulp logs for Pacific Fibre Products the school forests provide students an opportunity to learn about harvest, help supply raw materials to local forest product manufacturers, and financial income to OSU. I encourage the university to continue sustainably managing all of the College of Forestry lands
As an OSU College of Forestry alumni, 30 year practicing forester and manager of nearly fifty foresters, I believe that the McDonald Dunn forest presents a unique opportunity for students and professionals to see all aspects of Forestry - to include active management and timber harvesting. OSU foresters are better prepared for any career path that they embark, because of the exposure that they get at the college and near by resources