Comments we've received
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The mismanagement blunders of the Department of Forestry are a disgrace and an embarrassment to the reputation of Oregon State University. Now that they have been caught and have managed to stay employed they owe us some honesty and transparency in their forest planning and activities. This proposal focusing on carbon sequestration is the right direction forward.
Our forests are so much more than a crop for timber companies. We need to change our fundamental approach to managing forests.
As a professor in the College of Forestry for nearly 30 years, I am well aware of the enormous influence of the timber industry on the College and the many shortcomings in the administration of the College. It is long past time that the College be transformed and if they are unwilling to do so, then it is time that others with a more diverse and holistic view of the world be brought into the management of the OSU forests which are a resource of all the citizens of the state. The tearing down of Peavy Hall (the only building I will ever refer to as Peavy Hall), a building that easily had 50 + years of life left, was an extreme example of the ridiculous influence of the timber industry over a group of inept administrators in the College. The shortsightedness of College administrators in agreeing to tear down that building and build the industry's 'showcase' CLT building has done nothing other than create a huge budget deficit for the College.
As a courtesy associate professor in the OSU Department of Fisheries & Wildlife,I am especially interested in the effects of forest management on aquatic ecosystems.
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This is very important and should be supported by not only the State of Oregon but by everyone in Oregon.
Please make wise use of this precious resource and consider the impacts of climate change.
The idea of a multi-disciplinary approach to working with McDonald -Dunn Forest makes perfect sense in this day and age when we are in the throes of climate chaos. I hope this proposal gains traction because it could set a remarkable example for other institutions.
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Thanks for pushing for a contemporary broader outlook towards forest management, considering not only carbon sequestion, but more simply put, better forest practices in building soil to hold moisture. My understanding is that old trees grown in variety of species hold more moisture than the mono-crop harvest mentality taught so far, with roots of Doug Fir only reaching a few feet in the earth. We need to find ways that the soil can more deeply hold moisture to avoid devastation when fires happen. OSU could lead us towards a greater perspective for a healthier habitat for all, and still make money from wood. As of now, it's difficult for me to trust the wisdom of the forestry teachers. Thanks.again.
The trees belong to all Oregonians: young and old. Treat them with care; use the wisely and we will all thrive.
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As a climate impacts scientist, I would applaud the recognition by the OSU college of Forestry of the urgent need to manage our local forest as a well as the PNW region's forests for 21st century needs that is to say carbon capture and sequestration to mitigate the state's, if not the world's, greenhouse gas emissions. In the USA, the PNW is the only region where climate models project moderate future conditions and where tree growth will be enhanced. It is essential we preserve the sequestration potential of those forests while demanding our legislature to create incentives for private landowners to value their land as carbon sinks instead of timber lands. The college of forestry continues to teach "old school" forestry and even the students are asking for teachings of more current practices. It is high time OSU moves squarely in the 21st century and puts money where its mouth is.
It is past time to move nto ecological management, not timber take management. We are seeing the effects all around Oregon, in private lands, timber company lands throughout the coast range in particular, where watersheds are daily threatened and degraded. Act now for ending clear cutting as 'the way to progress.' Thanks!
Please adopt the new proposal authored by Friends of McDonald Dunn Forest as OSU's management plan. Times are changing and research needs to change to adapt to the important threat of climate change and an unprecedented loss of biodiversity. I went to OSU for my undergrad and paid my way. I am gravely disappointed with how the Mac-Dunn has been used for financial gain and infrastructure at the sacrifice of legacy habitat/trees. It sickens me. Just today I had to drive over and hour and a half deep into the woods through miles of clear cuts to spend time in a tiny sliver of old growth still left in this world. OSU must be more responsible; adopting this proposal is the first step.
It’s time to stop looting our forests. Bring them back to wild.
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Thank you so much for managing McDonald Dunn forests using the entire wealth of OSU scientific forest knowledge. OSU can and should be a leader in forest management.
I strongly advocate for better management of the OSU research forests. Management whose mission is to conduct forestry practices that prioritize sustainability and reduction of carbon emissions for the health of all Oregonians and the planet we call home.
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OSU"s Research Forests need to be refocused and management changed to address climate change. Please let those tree grow longer. Don't follow the money . Take care of Mother Earth.
Time to lead the way; business as usual is for the last century. What a resource this research forest is to us all! We must do all we can now to reduce carbon in the atmosphere. I hope OSU will do the right thing in this time of climate crisis.
Thank you for this critical movement! I love our forests and there is no comparison between the value of an old forest and cash for a wasteland.
OSU has the chance to redeem itself after hideous practices around forestry. It would by offensive and a slap in the face to all Oregonians if they do not to take it.
It is time for a more inclusive approach to the McDonald Dunn Research Forests. Times change, research should follow and point the way to the future.
Mature trees are the most effective carbon sequesters. Mature forests provide an excellent opportunity for learning more about this carbon cycle, and complex forests provide the diverse habitats needed for ecological stability and resilience. The world and its needs are changing. Our state sponsored research needs to change as well.
As a concerned Oregonian, I urge you to 1) refocus research and management of OSU’s several research forest to address the existential threat that climate change presents, and 2) reorganize the administration and management of the forests so they are overseen by a multi-college coordinating body.
It's time to take the right stand for our children's futures.
I am greatly concerned about the future of our planet for all of our descendants. Managing healthy, diverse forests providing habitat for a multitude of species and carbon sequestration will help to protect our fragile biosphere for humankind to enjoy.
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​A university should be leading research to understand and protect resources, learning from our world, its forests and waters, as it exists. There are many places of devastation to study without creating more. Universities need to return to a visionary purpose instead of aiding the mercenaries who would put us all at risk. Wanton extraction of natures' gifts has gotten us into real danger. We must learn from our mistakes and act to change. Principles of silviculture, as well as agriculture should be guided by the quality, not quantity, of learning and process. We know so little