The 180 acre Rubie P. Matteson Demonstration Forest is located near the west shore of Hagg Lake near Gaston.  This forest tract is managed as a working forest, providing income to the College of Forestry, access to the public, and a multitude of Extension, education and demonstration opportunities.

From January to April 2025, OSU Extension and the College of Forestry Research Forests led a public process with community members, local OSWA Chapter representatives, natural resource agencies, schools, forestry companies and organizations, and the Confederated Tribes of the Grande Ronde to outline goals for the forest. Three Guiding Principles were developed for the Matteson:

1. Destination for Forest Education
   Create a welcoming, inviting site for forestry education and demonstration by providing an enclosed education area, facilities, and storage
2. Ecological Forestry Model
   Serve as model in demonstrating climate-informed ecological forestry, including ongoing monitoring for biodiversity, improving adaptability and resilience, increasing timber volumes, and connecting to community
3. Collaborative Stewardship
   Build formal partnerships with Tribes, agencies, and educational institutions to incorporate their goals and priorities into stewardship
   Actions: Host monthly public meetings, showcase progress and highlight successes at annual work day at the forest

Press Release: A New OSU College of Forestry Research and Demonstration Forest in Washington County