Mushroom Specimens & Discussion with Oregon Expert and Park Ranger at Quincy Grange Nov 3, 2018.

Columbia County Small Woodlands Association will have their Annual Meeting and Elections at the Quincy Grange on Nov 3, 2018. The popular chicken dinner will be served by the Grange at 5:30 PM. Folks gather at 5 PM for cider, coffee and visiting. Price is $12 for adults and ½ price for children under 12. Cash or check, only, at the door.

This event is open to the public and to CCSWA members but please RSVP by Oct 30 to Mark Dreyer at 503-369-9592 or mdreyer51@msn.com. Give your name, how many reservations for dinner and how many are children. Also, tell us how many vegan meals, if any.

A program will be presented by Oregon State Park Ranger Dane Osis who is well known for his expertise about local mushrooms. He will bring fresh specimens and present a hands-on program where you can examine the samples and ask questions.

Quincy Grange is located about 4 miles northeast of Clatskanie town center at: 78314 Rutters Road, Clatskanie, Oregon 97016.

Please join us for the Annual Oregon Tree Farm System (OTFS) Meeting at The Oregon Garden
Date: Saturday, October 27, 2018
Time: 9:00-12:00 noon

More information to follow.

By Jeremy Felty

On July 21st, 115 participants arrived at the Gaebel Tree Farm in North Plains for a Neighbor to Neighbor Woods Tour. In 2017, the Gaebel’s were the Washington County Tree Farmers of the Year. The tour was sponsored by the Gaebels and the Washington County Small Woodlands Chapter. It was funded by a grant to OSWA from Oregon Forest Resource Institute. The topics covered at the tour included, an overview of pond maintenance, food plots, portable sawmilling by family friend Clint Michael; the topic of commercial thinning was covered by Steve Cafferata; road design and culvert installation was covered by local ODF stewardship forester Nate Agalzoff and Tualatin Watershed Council representative, April Olbrich; and Big Horn Logging’s, Mark Stanley covered the active logging on the property.

Connie and Rich Gaebel discusses the family and property history.

In 1979, Rich and Connie Gaebel purchased this property as a rural place to live, a get-a-way and a place to hunt. It is the southern 40 acres of an original 160-acre parcel. Access required building a 60-foot clear span bridge. The 160 acres had been logged at the turn of the century and again in the 1950’s but never replanted. It was mostly brush, hardwoods and scattered young conifers. It was also used as a horse trail riding area with access to the coast range. Old logging skid trails abound and evidence of an old rail road grade running parallel to the creek was also evident. There is an old saw mill location close to the old rail road grade.

By 1981, Rich with help from friends and family built a road, bridge, cleared and planted 3 acres. By 1985 they had cleared and planted an additional 14 acres. Rich and Connie tried raising cattle and Christmas trees. In 1994 they converted the Christmas trees to forestry. Rich installed culverts where the road crossed three small creeks. One was recently replaced with a 36” fish passage culvert.

ODF Stewardship Forester Nate Agalzoff and April Olbrich discuss the culverts on the road system

In the late 90’s, they installed a wildlife pond with water right’s and wildlife food plots primarily for deer, elk occasionally visit the site. In 2003, he logged and cleared three small areas, totaling 1.6 acres, and planted Cedar trees in groves. They were thinning in 2016 and are now thriving. Rich and Connie became very active in the Washington County Small Woodlands chapter in 1980.

Family friend Clint Michael explains the irrigation system, pond, and specialized dam system

The tour concluded with a catered lunch

By Jeremy Felty

On June 30th in conjunction with OSWA’s Annual Meeting, 150 participants visited the 79-acre Cafferata Family Forest located in Lane County, hosted by the Cafferata family, OSWA’s Lane County Chapter, and Oregon Tree Farm System. It was funded by a grant to OSWA from Oregon Forest Resource Institute. Steve and Wylda Cafferata have owned this property since 2009. The tour focused on topics that the Cafferatas deal with on a daily basis, including thinning on the property, the presence of wildlife on the property, the controlling of unwanted vegetation, various reforestation strategies, and the importance of keeping the family involved.

Dick Courter, OTFS Awards Chairman, presents the 2017 Oregon Outstanding Tree Farmers of the Year plaque to Steve and Wylda

The Cafferatas have a deep back ground in forestry. In 2009, Steve and Wylda, after raising four children and working for 35 years in their professions, realized one of their dreams by purchasing 79 acres of forestland. The land had been logged, replanted haphazardly, and then neglected for decades, so they set to work to bring the land under management. Using their skills, the Cafferatas put together an exemplary forest management plan that was certified to the American Tree Farm System in 2010. The results are great attention to wood, water, recreation, and wildlife and all the other attributes found in a working forest. The entire family, including the third generation, is involved in the management and enjoyment of the property.

Mike Cafferata discusses thinning projects conducted on the property

Every speaker on the woods tour was a member of the family, the goal for the tour was to discuss the topics provided by the certification guidelines provided by the American Tree Farm System. Mike Cafferata spoke about thinning and vegetation management; Fran Cafferata Coe spoke about wildlife on the property; Joe Cafferata spoke about road maintenance and maintaining water quality; Wylda Cafferata spoke about aesthetics, fire protection, and security and access; Steve Cafferata spoke about soils, brush field rehabilitation, and planting; and Sam Cafferata spoke about recreation on their property.

A large crowd gathered for lunch, consisting of OSWA members, fellow tree farmers, guests
from the World Forestry Center, and friends and family

By Jeremy Felty

On June 2nd, 90 participants visited the 190-acre Collin’s tree farm located in Jackson County, hosted by Bill and Marion Collins, the Jackson/Josephine OSWA Chapter, and OSU Forestry Extension. It was funded by a grant to OSWA from Oregon Forest Resource Institute. Bill and Marion Collins purchased their 160 acres in 1969. As hobby farmers, they soon found that they needed an additional 30 acres for pasturing cows and horses. This was the beginning of the 190-acre Double Diamond ranch. However, after 13 years, they decided to switch their focus to their forest land. The dense, vertically challenged forest was transformed over the next 35 years to not only to a healthier environment for wildlife and birds, but also one that is sustainable and less prone to severe wildfires. The key factor was the development of a road system that enabled all age, all species management by selective harvest.

Bill Collin’s begins the event with a short story about the property.

The tour discussed the history of the property, the types of forest management performed by the Collins family, living with the risk of wildfire, and dealing with fire challenges. Speakers included Bill Collins, Alan Campbell, Bill Potterf, Marty Main, OSU Extension agent Max Bennett, and Oregon Department of Forestry employees John O’Conner and Paris Drake. Eleven non-OSWA participants joined OSWA at the conclusion of the tour.

An ODF Fire Suppression Specialist Paris Drake describes the process of building burn piles.

Marty Main describes the multi-age multi-species thinning process utilized by the Collins family.

Bill Potterf describes the removal of ladder
trees while holding a large pole-saw.

Please join us for Douglas County Chapter of Oregon Small Woodlands Association’s Tree Farmer of the Year tour.

September 15, 2018
8:00 am – 2:00pm
Roseburg, OR

Details are as follows:

8:00 Coffee and Doughnuts social hour -Presented By Northwest Farm
Credit Services
9:00 -12:00 Tree Farm Tour with Ken and Sharon Harrison
12:00 - 1:00  Lunch

Address:
8354 Coos Bay Wagon Road Roseburg, OR 97470

By Jeremy Felty

On May 19th 2018, 160 participants visited the Carr-Oakes-Johnson Homestead/Hardell Tree Farm in Benton county. They are the 2018 Benton County Outstanding Tree Farmers of the Year. The property is in its 4th generation of continuous family management. The first piece was homesteaded in 1883. Some of the original family orchard is still there and being managed to preserve its varieties. As new pieces of land were added and times changed in Oregon, management has shifted from agriculture to forestry with the family planting tens of thousands of tree seedlings long before that was a common practice.

Today, the property is a vigorous forest, bits and pieces of diversity that are being preserved or added, and 3 generations of family working together to keep the forest productive and to bring the family together. The first goal they list for the property is to have the 5th generation out there working and playing too.
The tour was hosted by the Carr/Oakes family, OSWA’s Benton County Chapter, and OSU Forestry Extension. It was funded by a grant to OSWA from Oregon Forest Resource Institute. Topics covered at the tour were, Pre-commercial thinning and commercial thinning strategies, the development of a pond and wildlife in a managed forest, and planning for a balanced forest age distribution.

Dan Carr explains how he performs a pre-commercial thinning

Brad Withrow-Robinson describes a precommercial thinning processes

Fran Cafferata Coe and Kayla Carr discuss development of forest ponds while participants view rare red legged frogs.

Mike Cloughesy discusses commercial thinning strategy options.

An update on OSWA’s year so far.

The OSWA Annual Meeting has come and gone. Beginning on June 28th, the Meeting took place in Springfield and covered many interesting topics, four mill tours, and one tree farm tour. With over 190 participants participating in the various aspects of the meeting, this is truly one of the largest annual meetings that OSWA has held. Like every past Annual Meeting, incredible speakers spoke about topics in forestry, smoke management, herbicides, and the latest in the Oregon legislature. Additionally, numerous awards were given out to various outstanding OSWA members and tree farmers. This years Riggin Slinger award went to past OSWA President Rick Barnes!

You can read more about award recipients and tours at the OSWA Annual Meeting.

Neighbor to Neighbor Tours

The spring/summer months have also served as an excellent time for a few Neighbor to Neighbor tours!

Benton Chapter

The first tour of the spring/summer occurred in Benton County at the Carr-Oakes-Johnson Homestead Tree Farm. With over 160 participants, this tour allowed the 4th generation family to show off their continuous family management.

For a full summary of the Carr-Oak-Johnson Homestead Tree Farm tour, click here. 

Jackson Chapter

The second tour of the summer occurred in Jackson County at the Collin’s family tree farm on June 2nd, this tour saw 90 participants joining us at Bill and Marion’s 190-acre tree farm.

For a full summary of the Collins Family Tree Farm Tour, click here.

Lane Chapter

The third tour of the summer occurred at the Cafferata tree farm in Lane County, Steve & Wylda are the Oregon Outstanding Tree Farmers of the Year and represented at the OSWA Annual Meeting by having the tour on the Saturday following the Annual Meeting. With over 150 visitors, this tour was one for the books!

For a full summary of the Cafferata Tree Farm tour, click here.

Washington Chapter

The fourth and final tour of the summer occurred at the Gaebel tree farm in Washington County, with over 110 participants, the tour was able to cover various topics, including commercial thinning, road design, and pond maintenance.

For the full summary of the Gaebel Tree Farm tour, click here.

All Summaries:

You can also download these summaries here by title:

By Jim James

OSWA enjoyed another successful Annual Meeting June 28-30 in Springfield, once again hosted by Lane County’s OSWA chapter. Thursday’s mill tours and board meeting, Friday’s program, and Saturday’s woods tour were all well attended and as in 2017, Lane County was a wonderful host.

Key Note Speaker, Todd Payne, addresses 185 participants at OSWA’s Annual Meeting

Keynote Speaker, Seneca CEO, Todd Payne spoke about the importance of being a good neighbor and in addressing public concerns to protect forest landowners, wood product manufacturers, and forest operator’s ability to maintain our public license to operate. Forestry and wood products have been under the public’s microscope for a long time and being a good steward is a requirement to staying in business. He described how Seneca maintains their public license to operate.

Seneca CEO, Todd Payne, Keynote Speaker

This was one of the largest annual meetings in OSWA’s recent history. On Thursday, ninety participants visited either Seneca Sawmill’s lumber and bio-energy facilities, Rosboro’s lumber and laminated beam facilities, Northwest Hardwood’s sawmill, or Swanson Groups Plywood Plant. Thank you to Seneca, Rosboro, Northwest Hardwoods, and Swanson Group for their hospitality. Fifty-four members participated in the Thursday night board dinner and board meeting.

The program on Friday, following Keynote Speaker Todd Payne, had speakers on how to improve communications with one’s legislators, climate change, health of Oregon forests, forest pollinators, global wood supply and markets, fire season concerns, fire policy impacts, potential changes in smoke management rules, how pesticides are regulated, Forest Practices Act requirements when using herbicides, and initiative petitions at the county level to regulate the use of herbicides on forest land. Candidate for Governor, Knute Buehler, described his vision for forestry and rural Oregon. Governor Kate Brown, who was also invited, declined the invitation, sighting a conflict.

On Friday, the annually required OSWA Membership Meeting took place before lunch. Executive Director gave a State of the Association message reporting OSWA completing the 2017/2018 Workplan approved by the board, the 2017/2018 Budget is in line with expectations, OSWA is financiallystable, and it apperas OSWA will have a minor increase in membership growth for 2018. The membership nominated Ken Nygren as President Elect and Mike Barnes to continue as a Second Vice President on the Executive Committee when his term expires. The membership also endorsed a recommendation from the board to modify the OSWA bylaws to remove the vote by mail requirents and replace them with making all decisioins requiring membership approval will be determined by a vote of the members present at the Annual Membership Meeting. See details in election form and envelope in this newsletter and the article on page x about the bylaw change recommendation. At the conclusion of the Membership Meeting, President Rick Barnes passed the President,s gavel to Mike Barsotti, OSWA’s new President.

There were 185 participants who enjoyed a great program, twelve exhibitors, OSWA product sales, and a successful Silent Auction. Thank you to the exhibitors, OSWA’s Linn County Chapter who coordinated the OSWA Product Sales, Ilene Waldorf who chaired the Silent Auction, those who donated items for the auction, and the 65 bidders who paid over $5000 for the items sold at the auction.

Follwing Friday’s program there was a Silent Auction Social and OSWA’s Annual Awards Banquet. 160 enjoyed the banquet. Eveniing Speaker, Barb Lachenbruch, discussed making maple syrup from Oregon’s Big Leaf Maple.

Tom Nygren, Michael Atkinson, Gordon Culbetson, and Dick Courter at Silent Auction Social

Following Friday’s program was a Silent Auction Social followed by an Awards Banquet

2018 Chapter Outstanding Volunteers of the Year

Baker County – Bob Parker is Baker County’s Outstanding Volunteer of the Year. As the OSU Forestry Extension Agent, he has gone far beyond his responsibilities to assist the Baker County Chapter to be a successful chapter. His collaboration skills work wonders reaching out to family forest owners in Northeast Oregon. He was intricately involved in organizing two successful OSWA Annual Meetings in Baker City and has the respect of the community. Bob is retiring in 2018. His skills will be missed.

Benton County – The Benton Chapter recognized Dave Hibbs as their Volunteer of the Year for 2018. Dave’s leadership, commitment and ability to organize and delegate were critical to the very successful 2018 Tree Farmer of the Year and Neighbor to Neighbor tour of May 19 at the Carr-Oakes Family Forest. He is also an active Benton County member.

President Mike Barsotti and Ron Guttridge

Clackamas County – Rob Guttridge is only a two-year member of Clackamas County Farm Forestry Association, and at their annual meeting in 2016, he volunteered to take on the editing of our Forest Tree Leader and serve as Vice President of the chapter at the same time. He volunteers at the Hopkins Demonstration Forest workdays as well, and has helped the Clackamas County Extension with projects, programs, and tours when he is able. The chapter highly values Rob’s time and commitment to the chapter and are proud to honor him as their 2018 Volunteer of the Year.

Columbia County – Bill Hanson and Rod Nastrom are the Columbia County Volunteers of the Year. Both are active members of the Columbia County Chapter participating in the planning of and participation in most chapter events. They can be counted on when needed.

President Mike Barsotti and Mitch Clarke

Coos/Curry County – Mitch Clarke is Coos/Curry County’s Volunteer of the Year. He is currently the President of the chapter and the leader who organizes events and keeps the chapter active in the community. He has attended hearings at the Capitol and has been active in representing the chapter on Curry County After the Fire issues following the 2017 devastating fire season in Southwest Oregon.

Douglas County – Tami Braz has abundant energy. She always seems to be working for her chapter. She diligently performs the job of secretary, membership chairman, interviews long-term members for newsletters stories, compiles the newsletter, displays membership materials, and sells signs at tours & functions. She is a strong asset to the Douglas County Chapter and is their Volunteer of the Year.

President Mike Barsotti and Peggy Martin

Jackson/Josephine County – Peggy Martin is the Volunteer of the Year for Jackson/Josephine County. She is the Membership Committee Chairman and an active member of the chapter board. Peggy was on the recent Bill and Marion Collins Neighbor to Neighbor Tour committee and through her leadership, eleven new members signed up for OSWA following the event.

President Mike Barsotti with Rebecca and Rick Fain

Lane County – Rick and Rebecca Fain reside on their tree farm just north of Florence and stepped forward in 2015, as a team, to serve on LCSWA’s board and represent the Florence area of Lane County. Both are committed to supporting and attending chapter activities and willingly travel back and forth from Florence to assist with and attend all board meetings and chapter events. Both have helped organize field trips as well as provide the administrative support needed to insure such events are successful. Last year they provided special assistance helping with the planning OSWA’s 2017 Annual Meeting in Florence. This year they have been active with providing support and assistance with LCSWA planning for OSWA’s 2018 annual meeting in Springfield. Rick, along with Rebecca, are strong supporters of LCSWA and both are deserving of this special recognition as Outstanding Volunteers of the Year.

President Mike Barsotti and Jim Merzenich

Linn County – Jim Merzenich is Linn County’s Volunteer of the Year. He is a Past Chapter President, Chairman of Linn County’s Membership Committee and the web-master for the chapter. Jim is instrumental in planning and helping with all chapter activities. He has been a superb mentor to President Bill Bowling, providing guidance to him as he performs the duties as President.

Lincoln County – Tim Miller has been selected by Lincoln County’s Board as their 2018 Volunteer of the Year. Tim’s service to OSWA and the Oregon Farm Bureau as a spokes person has been outstanding. He has provided critical representation on government issues facing Lincoln County’s timber and cattle industries. He has ben involved in the County Fair, 4H, water issue regulations, and is always willing to help a friend. Tim was Lincoln County’s Tree Farmer of the Year in 2016.

Yamhill County – Yamhill Chapter’s 2018 Volunteer of the Year is Ken Nygren. Ken is a member of the Yahmill Chapter Board and serves as Treasurer. He is also, very active in organizing meetings and has led tours for the chapter and for others. Ken is a professional forester and administers a woodland management assistance program for Bell Pole which has proved very valuable for many OSWA members. He is also active in many other community volunteer activities. It is great to be able to count on him. Ken was also nominated as President Elect for OSWA at the Annual Membership Meeting on June 29th.

Washington County – Washington County Small Woodlands Association Volunteer of the Year for 2018 is Don Sohler. Don retired from Oregon Department of Forestry a few years ago, and when he saw that the Washington County Chapter needed someone to chair the Seedling Committee, he volunteered. This position gets very busy in February and March when seedlings are picked up and delivered. The volunteers who help pick up seedlings from Lewis River Reforestation are especially happy that Don has recognized the need to provide a break with lunch after arriving at the cooler and before unloading seedlings. Our seedling customers appreciate how Don accommodates them in picking up their seedlings. He has initiated new ideas to make the seedling sale run smoothly and encourage customers to join OSWA if they are not already members.

Nominees for Outstanding Tree Farmer of the Year

Oregon Tree Farm System (OTFS) Awards Chairman, Dick Courter, announced the six nominees for Oregon’s 2018 Outstanding Tree Farmers of the Year. Each county can have one nominees per year. Nominees are:

• Benton County – Marsha Oakes Carr
• Clackamas County – Tim Dahl and Debi Poppe
• Lane County – Linda Hull
• Linn County – Sherman and Leslie Weld
• Umatilla County – Tom and Cindy Beechinor
• Washington County – Richard and Connie Gaebel

The 2018 Outstanding Tree Farmer of the Year will be announced on October 27th during the OTFS’s Annual Meeting at the Oregon Garden in Silverton. It is not too early to be thinking about who each County’s Outstanding Tree Farmer of the Year nominee for 2019 will be. Each year, OSWA invites the chapter who nominated the Outstanding Tree Farmer of the Year to host OSWA’s Annual Meeting and Tree Farmer of the Year woods tour as part of the meeting.

Riggin’ Slinger Award

Recent Past President Rick Barnes received the 2018 Riggin’ Slinger Award. As OSWA’s President, Rick has been a strong leader and provided guidance to OSWA’s recent successes. He and his wife Audrey have been frequent participants at legislative hearings, Board of Forestry meetings and most recently, Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife Commission meetings, testifying for OSWA on issues important to family forest owners and OSWA’s membership. Rick has also served on the Oregon Forest and Industries Council’s (OFIC) board representing OSWA. As a member of OSWA’s Governmental Advisory Committee (GAC), he has been fully engaged on all issues important to forestry for many years. Rick served two terms on the Committee for Family Forestlands (CFF), a committee appointed by the Board of Forestry to advise them on family forest issues. Rick will serve as Past President on the OSWA Executive Committee for the next two years.

President Mike Barsotti with Past President and Riggin’ Slinger, Rick Barnes

We had a wonderful picnic out at Nancy Hathaway’s and Greg Peterson’s Tree Farm about a week ago.

The annual Benton County Small Woodland’s Association social picnic was held at Nancy Hathaway’s and Greg Peterson’s cabin in the woods. It was an opportunity to visit, enjoy delicious food, and relax with friends. Nancy presented us with a quiz, leading to discussions about false brome, thinning options, and what was causing pitch to run down the side of one of the forest’s towering Douglas-firs. Topics of conversation ranged further afield than forestry, of course, but it was a love of our woodlands that brought us all together.