changing forestsDecades ago, forests were viewed as ecosystems undergoing a steady process of maturation that would end in static old growth. Today, that perspective is more nuanced as ecologists recognize that forests are in a constant state of disturbance from the impacts of forces like weather and climate, as well as from human influences that pre-date Lewis and Clark by thousands of years. Oregon Forests Since 1630Most of our forestland is still here, but the forests themselves have changed considerably over the last century. Who “Owns” the Woods?Who owns Oregon's remarkably diverse forests largely determines how they are managed. Timber ProductionThough the majority of our forests are public, most timber comes from private lands; Oregon is a leading producer. |