osu mcdonald research forest excursion

OSU McDonald Research Forest Excursion



As I walked through the orange gates at the McDonald Research Forest, I didn’t really know what to expect. It actually turned out to be a unique and interesting experience. Since I haven’t put much thought into forestry and the different types that exist, this field trip definitely broadened my horizons.
Most of the forest types I visited were among the five that were to be managed in the new forestry plan. By managing these forests, it is said that Oregonians will see social, economical and environmental benefits. The plan was to comprise most of Oregon’s forests as layered and older structured types. (Bordelon, 2000) After taking part in this field trip I noticed that this area had not started logging much and has not generated much money for the county. (Milstein, 2002)
First of all I encountered the forest in the first stages of an understory, which consisted of herbs and shrubbery. It had one canopy so the ...