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Union County

Photo: John Punches (Cropped from original)
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Forestry and Natural Resources

Out there for Oregon’s forests. Here for Oregonians.

Forests and the diverse natural resources associated with them are an important part of NE Oregon's landscape, heritage, economy, and way of life.

As your local Forestry and Natural Resources Extension agent, my job is to utilize the latest research and innovations from Oregon State University and other institutions to provide science-based education and expertise. Whether you are interested in managing your land more effectively, growing your forest-based business, or are an aspiring naturalist, I am here to point you in the right direction.

I also serve on local committees advising the USDA Forest Service on management of our area natural resources, collaborate with agencies such as the Oregon Department of Forestry and the Natural Resources Conservation Service to implement forest improvement and wildfire hazard reduction programs, and am a member of the My Blue Mountains Woodlands partnership.

Below are several ways you can learn from, and get involved with our Forestry and Natural Resources Program. You may also call our local office or email me to get in touch with me directly.

See you in the woods!

John Punches

Stay on Top of News and Events

Sign up for our local newsletter to receive information on upcoming events, cost share opportunities, and other useful information. You can also subscribe to our TreeTopics blog!

Life on the Dry Side Forestry Newsletter

Serving land managers and owners east of the Cascades.

Newsletter

Oregon Naturalist

Participate in science-based learning experiences that help you appreciate Oregon's diverse forest ecosystems and make informed decisions regarding forest policy and management. For example, our Oregon Naturalist Program offers opportunities to learn about the natural history of plants, animals, habitats, geology, culture, as well as the most relevant topics in sustainable natural resource management.

Explore Oregon’s forests with us.

Photo by Lynn Ketchum (Cropped from original)

Find Your People

Our community-based groups, such as the Women Owning Woodlands Network and Master Woodland Manager Program, get together to learn with – and from – other landowners who value Oregon’s forests and communities.

Women Owning Woodlands Network

The Women Owning Woodlands Network (WOWNet) is a diverse, enthusiastic, group of women who are interested in woodland management. WOWNet allows women to come together to learn about forest management, share their forestry and ...

Program

Master Woodland Manager

The Master Woodland Manager (MWM) training is offered by Oregon State University Forestry Extension as a master's level course for landowners who are interested in an intensive forest management training and sharing the knowledge ...

Program

Protect What You Care About

The Fire Program and the Citizen Fire Academy, Ties to the Land succession planning, and forest health offerings are all tailored to help you keep your property safe from wildfire or insect and disease outbreaks, and to build a legacy for future generations.

Fire Program

Forests across the western United States are stressed from high tree densities, drought, and insect and disease outbreaks. Past management practices along with more human-caused wildfire and changes in weather are causing wildfires ...

Program

Dig Into Our Educational Resources

Our catalog includes dozens of free publications, videos, webinars, and podcasts, covering a wide variety of topics, such as forest health, forest management planning, and estate and succession planning.

Bees in the woods

Videos and other resources that help you enhance bee and pollinator habitat on your small private forestland

Lauren Grand | Oct 2022 | Collection Peer reviewed (Gray level)

In the Woods

Each month we will bring you research and science-based information on a new topic related to forests that aims to offer some insight into what we know and are still learning about forest science and management.

Podcast

Browse related Extension resources

Meet our expert

John Punches
Forestry

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