Reforestation 101

Reforestation 101: A Guide for Private Landowners

Reforesting your land after a harvest can feel like a big undertaking, but with proper planning and guidance, it’s an achievable and rewarding process. Whether your goal is to maximize profits, create a beautiful and diverse forest stand, or meet Oregon's reforestation requirements, this guide will help you navigate the essential steps.

Step 1: Consult with an Experienced Stewardship Forester

The first and most important step is to get in touch with an experienced stewardship forester. A forester can evaluate what your land is capable of producing and help you plan for success. While you may already have some idea based on your pre-harvest research, it’s always advisable to plan thoroughly to maximize the efficiency of reaching your goals.

Your forester will help you determine which reforestation approach works best within the bounds of your land’s capabilities. For instance:

• Profit-Driven Goals: Focus on fast-growing, marketable species.

• Aesthetic and Ecological Goals: Aim for a diverse and visually pleasing forest stand.

Step 2: Understand Oregon’s Reforestation Requirements

Oregon law requires landowners to meet specific reforestation standards. These requirements are determined on a case-by-case basis and depend on factors such as:

• Site class

• Basal area (the cross-sectional area of trees per acre)

• The quantity of remaining saplings, poles, and seedlings

Your forester can analyze these details and create a plan to meet Oregon Department of Forestry (ODF) standards. It’s important to meet the requirements within a 6-year timeframe; otherwise, you could face penalties such as fines or lose your property’s eligibility for forest tax deferral.

Step 3: Select Suitable and Marketable Tree Species

The ODF requires landowners to plant tree species that are both suitable to the site and marketable in the future. Your forester will help you identify the best options for your property based on its specific conditions.

If you plan to change the use of your property so that it does not conform to ODF restocking standards, you’ll need to submit a Plan for Alternate Practice to the ODF before harvesting.

Step 4: Ensure Successful Reforestation

Establishing a new, healthy forest stand involves addressing potential threats to young seedlings. These include:

Competing Vegetation

Grass and brush can choke out seedlings by depriving them of sunlight, water, and nutrients. Many landowners, especially those with larger properties, perform site preparation to clear competing plants. This often involves spraying chemical herbicides to:

• Eliminate competing vegetation

• Remove habitat for rodents that damage seedlings

• Prevent food sources that attract larger animals like deer and elk

While effective, this method kills most vegetation and can impact the ecological balance of your property.

Wildlife Damage

Critters like mice and voles can girdle the stems of small seedlings causing them to die, while larger animals such as deer and elk can damage or kill young trees while feeding on underbrush. It is important to monitor seedlings very closely for signs of damage and/or mortality. If wildlife damage is significant, you may need to replant to meet reforestation standards.

Alternatives for Smaller Parcels

For smaller properties or those seeking a more eco-friendly approach, basal spraying is an option. This method involves hand-spraying herbicides at the base of trees to reduce competing vegetation without eliminating all plants and animal habitats. While more time-consuming and costly, basal spraying is a better ecological option that strikes a balance between reforestation success and environmental stewardship.

Step 5: Monitor Your Progress

You have 6 years to establish a new, “free-to-grow” stand. Regular monitoring and maintenance are crucial to ensure success. Work with your forester to:

• Assess tree health and growth

• Identify signs of wildlife damage

• Plan any necessary interventions, such as additional site prep or replanting

Final Thoughts

Reforesting your land is both a responsibility and an opportunity to shape the future of your property. Whether you’re prioritizing profits, biodiversity, or a beautiful landscape, working with a knowledgeable forester and understanding the steps involved will help you achieve your goals efficiently and successfully.

Made Out West Land Co.

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