When someone asks Lance Barker about the challenges forest managers like him face he is likely to say that he thinks our biggest problem in forestry is a lack of humility. It is the reason he and his wife Jennifer would rather invite people to see their forest than talk about forestry out of context.

Over the years they have invited hundreds of people to their property, including forest industry leaders, conservation groups, policy decision makers, bird and plant experts and students. They often take visitors to look at a tree that was struck by lightning. As Lance sees it, it's the best way to explain his management philosophy. He tells them, "I'm not really in control. I'm the junior partner in this operation."

Another maxim Lance stands by is that "You can't have forestry without context." To him, context means knowing about the social aspects of forestry, the specifics of the site, the soils, birds, insects and weather. "I string all of it together. I see a world of connectedness."

Even a conversation with Lance Barker demonstrates his understanding of how all things are connected. Topics circle back on themselves and confirm earlier statements in new ways. But you could say that it is the Barkers' detailed understanding of how the forest works that makes them successful under conditions that Lance describes as "marginal" for growing trees.

Morning Hill Forest Farm is located about 20 miles southwest of John Day. Ponderosa pine dominates the forest. Tree growth is only 22.25 cubic feet per acre per year. Lance reports the minimal growth rate needed to grow commercial timber is 20.

Lance came to Oregon to buy property. "What I really wanted to do was buy an experimental farm, do [forest] management first hand, and combine that with my other interest - energy independence." The land that would become Morning Hill Forest Farm was inexpensive because it was far from the available electric grid and "over-grazed to the bone."

But a remote piece of land in need of care was exactly what they were looking for. Lance started immediately with fuel management activities. Most sites had second growth pine that grew up after a 1937 timber harvest. "It had grown up in the typical ponderosa pine mass." All the slash from the original logging and thinning in the 1950s was still there. Fuel build up was a problem.

Jennifer and Lance share a passion for solar energy technology. Their home is powered 100% by solar energy. But energy is not the only way the Barkers are independent. They also raise all their own vegetables. Wood from their land cooks their meals and powers their water heaters, even the hot tub. While acknowledging the hard work required to maintain their independent lifestyle, Lance happily admits, "We live like kings."

Lance has a humble respect for those native species that are uniquely adapted to the site. As a rule he protects what's already surviving.

More than anything else, he watches. "I am in my forest almost every day." Lance and Jennifer have identified over 200 species of native plants, 23 native animals and 63 native bird species on their property alone, including the northern goshawk, black-backed woodpecker, and northern flying squirrel, all associated with old growth conditions.