The Planning Team

The planning team was made up of the following faculty members:

      John Sessions (chair), Forest Engineering

      Douglas Brodie, Forest Resources
      John Hayes, Forest Science
      David Hibbs, Forest Science
      Katy Kavanagh, Forestry Extension David
      Marshall, Forest Resources
      Michael Newton, Forest Science
      Arne Skaugset, Forest Engineering

Staff to the team were:
      Noel Bachellor, Research Forests
      Doug Bateman, Forest Science
      Debbie Johnson, Research Forests
      Dave Lysne, Research Forests
      Ann Rogers, Research Forests
      Janet Ross, Research Forests
      Brian Sharer, Forest Resources
      Jeff Starnes, Research Forests

Charge to the Team

To design a plan that will:

1. Develop the Blodgett Tract as a model research and demonstration forest emphasizing maximization of economic efficiency while meeting public goals for environmental protection, especially fish and wildlife habitat.

2. Demonstrate COPE findings on a larger scale than was used during the COPE studies, with careful documentation of economic costs and returns.

Development History

On September 30, 1997 the Dean formed the team that would develop the Blodgett Tract plan. On November 13 the team had its first meeting in Peavy Hall where it received its charge from the Dean. Subsequently a team field trip was made to the Blodgett Tract on December 1, followed by a meeting in Astoria where the team drafted an action plan and established a Summer 1998 delivery date for the presentation of a draft plan to the Dean.

The team held 10 meetings which occurred on the afternoons of January 15, February 16, March 16, April 24, May 15, June 2, July 2, August 3, 10 and 14. A work-in-progress presentation was made to the Dean and Administrative committee on August 17. In a follow-up email the Dean requested additional information on the sensitivity of the harvest schedule to forest structure goals. Following summer recess, the team had a meeting on October 15 to review the first draft of the planning document and make decisions for completing the written plan. On December 15 -16 the team and staff again visited the Blodgett Tract to review the plan in the field. On April 20, 1999 the plan was delivered to the Dean and Administrative committee.

The Blodgett Planning team, forest staff, and guests on a field trip.

John Sessions and forest staff at Blodgett Tract.

1. Forest Structure

Upland Areas

1. Manage the uplands intensively for timber production while providing a diversity of high quality, early to mid-successional habitat for terrestrial species.
2. Maintain Douglas-fir as the dominant species coupled with a good representation of western hemlock and western redcedar.

Riparian Areas

1. Provide a diversity of high quality, early seral to mature forest habitat for aquatic and terrestrial species.
2. Manage the riparian zone intensively for habitat and timber yield.

2. Revenue

Provide a dependable supply of revenue to the College of Forestry.

3. Research, Demonstration and Extension

1. Provide opportunities for demonstration and education to show efficient methods for timber production while providing high quality terrestrial and aquatic habitat.
2. Accommodate research proposals that are compatible with the achievement of forest structure and revenue goals.

4. Good Neighbor

Be a good neighbor to the private industrial and state forest neighbors that surround the Blodgett Tract.