The story of logging in Oregon is one of the people who settled the West, their relationship with the natural resources they found here, and the capacity of the land we know as Oregon today. Its a story that highlights change initiated with European settlement of the area, the enthusiasm of invention and innovation, a vast palate of awe-inspiring resources, courage and optimism of heart and spirit, and lives carved out of the land. Yet it's also a story of displacement of native peoples, reduction and elimination of native plants and animals, and nonsustainable harvest of natural resources. It's a story thats been told many times, grand and grievous. Logging is a story about a resource that has changed as we used it. It is also a story about how logging has changed Oregon.

Oregonians are known for their connection with the land. Post-European settlement Oregon has been defined largely by our relationship with the regions abundant natural resources, which have provided the base of the states economy. Yet increasingly Oregon is being defined by its urban populations, and employment in the resource-based industries that have supported Oregonian's since statehood is giving way to service, manufacturing, and professional positions. Oregonians of all agesboth those whove lived here for generations and those newly arrivedare acknowledging that changes have occurred in the resource base, and are accepting that Oregon has been altered hugely by the use of that resource.

Our task now is to consider how we use and manage our natural resources in the next century. Our decisions will affect Oregon economically, culturally and environmentally. This is our challenge, and our opportunity, and will inform the legacy we leave to future generations.

Index
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Educational Objectives
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