Salem-News.com Forest articles

Santiam Canyon Wilderness Main Access Points to Remain Closed for Summer

Many sections of the forest are technically open, but with limitations.

(SALEM, Ore.) - This week, the Willamette National Forest announced the reopening of approximately 188,641 acres of Forest Service land, previously closed because of fire damage and hazards.

This reopening includes some popular locations for Santiam Canyon residents and tourists alike, including the Opal Creek Wilderness and Little North Fork.

Oregon`s Timber Harvest Climbs for 4th Straight Year

Timber harvest increases can be attributed to a strong export market for Oregon logs in 2013, coupled with a domestic market recovery, particularly in housing.

(SALEM, Ore. ) - In 2013, Oregon's timber harvest rose to 4.2 billion board feet, marking four consecutive years of increase from the recession low of 2.72 billion board feet in 2009.

"This was the first harvest above four billion board feet in seven years," said ODF principal economist Brandon Kaetzel, "and represents a 12 percent increase over the 2012 harvest of 3.75 billion board feet."

Parts of Oregon Inundated by Western Tent Caterpillars

Western tent caterpillars produce one generation per year.

(SCAPPOOSE, Ore. ) - Oregon State University Extension offices in Columbia County are being inundated with calls by concerned members of the public about localized, often severe, defoliation of hardwoods in the northern portion of the county.

The defoliation has been most noticeable on red alders, cottonwoods, willows and fruit trees; however, other broadleaf trees and shrubs are also being affected. The damage is caused by an outbreak of western tent caterpillars (Malacosoma californicum), a moth native to the Pacific Northwest.