WALTERVILLE, Ore. — When Steve Raymen first purchased his forestland in Lane County in 1990, its quiet, wildlife-filled beauty spoke to him. At the time, early foresters might have dismissed such dense, game-light forests as “biological deserts.” Today, perspectives have shifted.
“Old-growth holds a special place in our hearts."
Raymen’s land features large stands of Douglas-fir, western redcedar and western hemlock, surrounded by an understory of alder, vine maple, Indian plum and lady fern — a thriving, layered forest rich in biodiversity.
“We look at it with different eyes now,” said Lauren Grand, Oregon State University Extension Service forester and associate professor of practice.
On Oct. 12, Grand led a walking tour of Raymen’s property that drew two dozen participants eager to better understand forest management and the ecological value of old-growth habitat.
Raymen said it was the mature trees and the life they support — from birds to red-legged frogs to the occasional mountain lion — that attracted him more than 30 years ago.
“The old growth drew me in,” he said.
Understanding old growth beyond age
One of the key takeaways from the tour, Grand said, is that old growth is not simply defined by age.
“A 600-year-old Douglas-fir in one place may be the same size as a 200-year-old tree in another,” she said. “Old growth isn’t just an age — trees of the same age grow at different sizes depending on the resources they have.”
Old-growth forests often include trees more than 40 inches in diameter, with a mix of shade-tolerant and sun-loving species in the canopy. Large snags and downed logs provide crucial habitat for wildlife, contributing to the ecological richness these forests are now celebrated for.
“Old-growth holds a special place in our hearts,” Grand said.
Inspiration for other forest owners
Dianne Rankin traveled from her home near Florence to join the tour. She owns 190 acres of forestland and hopes to one day see it reach the complexity and beauty of Raymen’s woods.
“I want to learn how to make it be like this,” she said.
Previously titled 'Biological desert' no more: Extension forest tour gives old-growth its due
