Oregon Forest Resources Institute

About OFRI

The Oregon Forest Resources Institute (OFRI) is a state-chartered organization created in 1991 by the Oregon Legislature to improve public understanding of the state's forest resources. The institute promotes sound forestry through education and information programs managed by a 13-member board representing diverse forest interests.

Based in Portland, OFRI serves as a bridge between the forestry sector and the public, providing balanced, science-based information about Oregon's forests and management practices. The organization works with educators, landowners, and the general public to promote sustainable forestry and forest conservation.

Oregon's Forest Resources

Oregon is home to approximately 30 million acres of forestland, covering nearly half of the state. These forests include:

• Coastal forests: Dominated by Douglas-fir, western hemlock, Sitka spruce, and red cedar, the coastal region receives abundant rainfall and supports some of the most productive forests in the world.
• Western Cascade forests: Mixed conifer forests including Douglas-fir, western hemlock, western redcedar, and noble fir, transitioning to grand fir and Pacific silver fir at higher elevations.
• Eastern Oregon forests: Ponderosa pine is the dominant species, with lodgepole pine at higher elevations and other species including Douglas-fir, grand fir, and western larch.
• Old-growth forests: Oregon still contains significant old-growth forests, particularly on federal lands, which provide critical habitat for numerous plant and animal species.

Forest Management Practices

OFRI provides education on various forest management approaches employed in Oregon, including:

• Sustainable forestry: Practices that meet current needs for forest resources without compromising forest health for future generations.
• Even-aged management: A system creating stands of trees of essentially the same age, often accomplished through clearcutting or shelterwood harvesting.
• Uneven-aged management: Maintaining trees of multiple ages within a stand, typically achieved through selective harvesting.
• Riparian management: Special protections for areas adjacent to streams and water bodies to protect water quality and aquatic habitat.
• Wildfire management: Strategies to reduce wildfire risk through forest thinning, prescribed burning, and fire suppression techniques.

Forest Education Programs

OFRI offers educational programs designed for different audiences:

• K-12 Education: OFRI provides curriculum materials, teacher workshops, and field trip opportunities to help Oregon students learn about forests, forestry, and natural resources.
• Professional Development: OFRI conducts training sessions and workshops for forest managers, logging professionals, and others working in the forestry sector.
• Public Outreach: Through publications, website resources, tours, and presentations, OFRI helps the general public understand the importance of Oregon's forests.
• Forest Tours: OFRI offers guided forest tours that showcase various forest management practices and their outcomes.

Forest Products and Economics

Forestry is a significant economic driver in Oregon. OFRI provides information on the industry's economic contributions:

• Employment: The forest sector employs thousands of Oregonians in logging, milling, paper manufacturing, and related industries.
• Timber production: Oregon consistently ranks among the top states in timber production, providing lumber, plywood, and other wood products for domestic and international markets.
• Rural economies: Many rural communities in Oregon depend on forest-related activities for their economic vitality.
• Forest products: Beyond timber, Oregon forests provide non-timber products such as mushrooms, berries, decorative greens, and specialty products.
• Carbon storage: Forests play a critical role in sequestering carbon, helping mitigate climate change while providing renewable building materials.

Conservation and Environmental Benefits

OFRI emphasizes the environmental benefits provided by Oregon's forests:

• Water quality: Well-managed forests act as natural filters, protecting the quality of Oregon's streams, rivers, and reservoirs.
• Wildlife habitat: Forests provide homes for diverse wildlife species, from large mammals like elk and deer to numerous birds and small mammals.
• Biodiversity: Oregon's forests contain immense biological diversity, including thousands of plant species and hundreds of wildlife species.
• Recreation: Forests offer recreational opportunities including hiking, camping, fishing, hunting, and wildlife watching.
• Air quality: Trees filter pollutants from the air and produce oxygen, contributing to cleaner air quality.

Challenges Facing Oregon's Forests

OFRI addresses the major challenges facing Oregon's forests today:

• Wildfire: Increasing wildfire size and intensity poses threats to forests, communities, and resources.
• Forest health: Insect infestations, diseases, and climate change stress affect forest health and productivity.
• Urban development: Expanding cities at the wildland-urban interface create complex forest management challenges.
• Policy decisions: Balancing environmental protection with resource use requires informed policy decisions.
• Public understanding: Many Oregonians lack direct connection to forests and forestry, leading to misunderstandings about forest management.

The Future of Oregon's Forests

OFRI is focused on helping ensure a sustainable future for Oregon's forests through:

• Adaptive management: Using science and monitoring to adjust forest practices as conditions change.
• Cross-boundary collaboration: Encouraging cooperation among federal, state, tribal, and private landowners.
• Innovation: Promoting new technologies and approaches to forest management and product utilization.
• Climate-smart forestry: Implementing practices that help forests adapt to climate change while continuing to provide benefits.
• Next-generation leadership: Cultivating future forest professionals and informed citizens who value Oregon's forest resources.

Get Involved

OFRI encourages Oregonians to learn more about the state's forests and become involved in their stewardship:

• Visit OFRI's website for educational resources and information
• Participate in a forest tour or education program
• Explore Oregon's forests responsibly through recreation
• Learn about local forest issues and participate in community discussions
• Support sustainable forestry practices through consumer choices

Oregon's forests provide environmental, economic, and social benefits. Through education and outreach, the Oregon Forest Resources Institute helps ensure these forest resources are understood, valued, and sustainably managed for generations to come.