Demonstration and
 Extension activites

Under the proposed Blodgett Tract Management plan, opportunities will evolve to demonstrate silvicultural and management techniques in Pacific Northwest coastal forests. Many of these techniques were learned during COPE. This plan represents a unique array of management and silvicultural activities in a forested landscape dominated by economic objectives coupled to short harvest rotations. In the near term, management techniques in riparian areas to maintain and enhance fish habitat; road construction and maintenance alternatives; and outputs from 85+ year rotations with intermediate harvests will be of particular interest. However, it needs to be recognized that development of a demonstration area requires careful planning through the formulation, implementation and assessment of the management plan. Adding demonstration and educational programs onto an ongoing program may not be successful and may be reflected in missed opportunities.

Potential Audience

Resource Professionals

Northwest Oregon and southwest Washington are heavily dominated by actively managed forestland. The professionals that participate in this land management range from foresters and loggers to fish biologists and hydrologists. The major employers are private industry and state agencies. In a recent survey conducted by the College of Forestry Extension Program, it was apparent that this audience wants localized, relevant one-day training and educational opportunities that assist them in making better management decisions. The Blodgett Tract would provide an excellent opportunity for the land managers and resource professionals to obtain such training. The Blodgett Tract is within a 3-hour drive, from Corvallis, OR, Hood River, OR, Olympia, WA and Raymond, WA.

General Public

The proximity of the Blodgett Tract to the Portland Metro area offers the chance to involve the “metro-public” in forest management activities. Day trips by local school children; hiking clubs, environmental organizations, and the public are just a few potential opportunities. In addition, there are several local groups such as watershed councils and local community leaders who have a direct interest in learning more about forest management practices.

Develop Partnerships

There are numerous opportunities for the Blodgett Tract to develop partnerships with several other forestry and educational groups located in the region. Several potential cooperators in education/demonstration programs are listed:

     Oregon Forest Resources Institute (OFRI)
     OSU Extension
     Local Schools
     Youth
     Vocational Education
     Oregon Trout
     Fishhawk Lake Association
     Magness Tree Farm
     World Forestry Center
     Oregon Small Woodlands Chapters in Columbia,
     Washington and Clatsop Co.
     Tree Farm Association
     Upper Nehalem Watershed Council
     Oregon Department of Forestry

Facilities

To have a successful educational program there eventually needs to be an infrastructure to support public attendance. The minimal requirements are shelter from the rain/sun, restrooms and running water. As things develop, plans could be made for overnight accommodations, cooking and indoor classroom space.

Personnel

Involvement of local educational professionals is critical to the success of this program. These professionals would come from Clatsop Community College, Oregon Department of Forestry and OSU Extension. Extension would be at the center of the program. In addition, an on-site OSU Forester would play a very beneficial role in linking the research, management and educational programs.