Oregon has approximately 44,000 private woodland owners who own 10 or more acres of forestland who collectively manage about 3.3 million acres of forest, according to the Oregon Forest Resources Institute. This represents a significant portion of Oregon's forested land, contributing to both the state's economy and environmental health.
Private woodland owners in Oregon face several challenges, from regulatory changes to economic pressures to invasive species. Smaller landowners might struggle to access the same resources and support as larger operations, making it harder to implement best practices.
These issues highlight the importance of programs like Oregon State University’s Master Woodland Manager program, which provides education and support to help landowners navigate these challenges.
The program, offered by the OSU Extension Forestry and Natural Resources Program since the early 1980s, features an advanced training course designed for private landowners interested in sustainable forest management.
Trained Master Woodland Managers play a crucial role in educating the public and supporting local forest landowners, contributing thousands of hours of service each year.
Master Woodland Managers receive at least 60 hours of training on various forestry topics, including forest management planning, reforestation, wildlife management, fire management, timber harvesting and watersheds and fisheries. In return, they commit to volunteering 40 hours to support their local forestry communities. Graduates often take on leadership roles in local forest landowner organizations, like the Oregon Small Woodlands Association (OSWA), Oregon Women in Timber (OWIT) and community science projects, helping to educate others and advance forest stewardship.
The Master Woodland Manager program serves 18 counties in Oregon. Volunteers in these counties contribute significantly to educating the public, family forestland owners, youths, watershed councils and other organizations.
The program hosts various events throughout the year. These events include workshops, field tours and training sessions on topics such as forest tree planting, oak restoration and prescribed fire planning.
There are more than 600 trained Master Woodland Managers in Oregon. These volunteers play a crucial role in educating the public and supporting local forest landowners, contributing thousands of hours of service each year.
In 2024, Master Woodland Managers reached nearly 33,000 Oregonians through almost 7,800 hours of educating the public, family forestland owners, youths, watershed councils and other organizations.
The OSU Master Woodland Manager program supplies landowners with the knowledge and skills they need to improve forest health and sustainability but also strengthen community networks. By volunteering and sharing their expertise, trained Master Woodland Managers play a crucial role in educating the public and supporting local forest landowners, contributing thousands of hours of service each year. This collective effort enhances both the environmental and economic well-being of Oregon's forests.
