World Forestry Center’s work is focused on connecting people
to sustainable forestry, including forestry management.
For more than 40 years, we have actively managed the 79-acre Magness Memorial Tree Farm, including periodically harvesting trees, following a detailed Forest Management Plan.
In 2020, we engaged Trout Mountain Forestry to update the Management Plan for Magness. The plan had not been updated nor had a harvest been conducted at Magness for nearly 20 years.
The goals of the updated conservation-based plan include improving forest health, promoting age-class diversity, reducing invasive species, and creating revenue for site maintenance through periodic timber harvests.
For the health and sustainable management of the site and per the updated Management Plan, we harvested trees from Magness in August and September, 2020.
prior to harvest.
“Thinning reduces fire risk and can increase the health and value of the remaining trees,” said World Forestry Center Director of Facilities Chuck Wiley. “It also allows us to be intentional about what types of trees we keep, helping with species diversity. We’ve worked with Trout Mountain before and know that they are experts at this scale of project.”
As Magness was already temporarily closed to the public to support Oregon’s effort to contain the spread of COVID-19, the harvest did not impact access to Magness.
See the answers to some frequently asked questions below.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Why is Magness Memorial Tree Farm closed?
The decision to temporarily close Magness was not made lightly. We know that the Tree Farm is an important regional and community asset that has been open to the public for decades. However, reduced staffing due to the pandemic means we must be strategic with our employee time and organizational priorities.
While there is not a date set for reopening, conversations about Magness are currently underway and we will reach out to our community when we have more information.
If you’re interested in staying up to day, sign up for our email list here.
Who managed the harvest?
Trout Mountain Forestry acted as World Forestry Center’s agent to manage this harvest, coordinating work schedules, Oregon Department of Forestry inspection visits, log truck traffic to mills, and necessary permits. Paulson Logging is the local logging company who performed the harvest and oversaw logistics at Magness.
What does Magness look like after the Harvest?
The photo below shows an area of Magness that had trees removed. This is generally the density that remained on all harvested areas.
Who should I contact if I have more questions?
If you have any questions, email magnessneighbors@worldforestry.org.