Many landowners, including the LeTourneuxs, removed acres of oak to plant more profitable conifers. The overall result has been a dramatic decrease in oak habitat. A corresponding decrease in the 200-some species of wildlife that depend on White oak habitat has followed. Silver grey squirrels, Western Bluebirds, White breasted nuthatch and Black-tailed deer have lost valuable habitat. "I knew we were having a problem with the oak," says Jim. "The fir in the stand was big and starting to shade out the oak." Steve confirms the problem, "White oak do not do well competing for light. So when the oaks come in contact with fir, the oaks die." The prescription is simple says Steve, "Remove the tops of the conifers.

" Jim was thinking the same thing, but not for the same reason. Originally Jim wasn't thinking of the oak stand at all. He planned to remove the tops of some conifers to create snag trees for Pileated woodpeckers and other birds. "The whole idea of the project for me was to create fir snags for cavity nesting birds. Those big decaying snags are kind of a rarity around here."

He had his eye on a number of large fir trees. But the value of these larger trees at the mill was a deterrent. Jim was finding it hard to justify his bird project in economic terms. "It is such a benefit for the community. I thought there might be some funding for this." He called on Dean O'Reilly at the Yamhill County Soil and Water Conservation District to see if there was some assistance to make his bird habitat enhancement project more economically feasible.

The Soil and Water Conservation District often plays a matchmaker role, bringing together ideas and resources that get conservation projects implemented. "A lot of landowners aren't aware of what funding is available for projects," says Dean. "Lots of them don't have the technical ideas. So we link them with organizations to help."

Dean O'Reilly's response involved some creative matchmaking. He connected Jim with Steve Smith at the US Fish and Wildlife Service, knowing that he would have a different but complementary objective.

Steve Smith administers the Partners for Fish and Wildlife Cost Share Program that works with private landowners who are voluntarily improving wildlife habitat on their property. The program funds up to $25,000 per project. They also provide technical assistance, equipment and labor if necessary.

Says Steve, "Oregon white oak is among our highest priorities. All of the Willamette Valley's white oak habitat is at risk. None falls within regulations to protect it. We are relying on private landowners to conserve white oak habitat voluntarily."

Steve immediately saw the crossover between Jim's aspiration to create cavity nesting bird habitat and the US Fish and Wildlife Service's mandate to conserve Willamette Valley's oak woodlands. The US Fish and Wildlife Service approved the project.

Scott Hyde, a professional tree climber from Corvallis, scaled and snagged fourteen trees averaging just under thirty inches diameter at breast height. Using a small, high-speed chainsaw, Scott worked at a level of fifty to seventy-five feet, carefully falling the tops to protect surrounding trees. "Some were topped with live crown on them. Some were topped so that they would die and leave nesting cavities," reports Jim. The snags will allow light and space for the oaks below.

Now Steve Smith and Jim LeTourneux are celebrating. Says Steve, "The highest value [of this project] is protection of the habitat that's associated with oaks." Jim's assessment is just as positive, although he is thinking mostly about the Pileated woodpeckers and other nesting birds that will make the snags their home in coming years. Looking back, says Jim, "It really worked out well."