25 Years of Giving
Sharing the Tillamook - its resilience and complex history
by Doug Decker
Twenty-five years ago, we knew establishing the Tillamook Forest Center and inviting more of the public into the Tillamook State Forest was going to require lots of work, a wide community of interest, and support from both public and private sources. We just needed to create an organization to occupy that space and help make it happen.
(left: Doug Decker)
In essence, that’s the origin story–the roots of today’s State Forests Trust of Oregon trace back that quarter century to the formation of the Tillamook Forest Heritage Trust.
Those four words in that initial organization name were chosen deliberately to signify this new effort focused on sharing the Tillamook, its resilience and complex history, and the inheritance its many values represent for the future, combined with the steadiness of a special public-private partnership. The Trust grew into a capable partner to the Oregon Department of Forestry that energized interest and support for sharing the story and the experience of the Tillamook State Forest.
With the belief and direct support from many of you reading this 25th anniversary edition of the State Forests Trust of Oregon newsletter, look what happened!
I had the privilege of serving as the first executive director and co-founder of the Trust, working closely with then-State Forester Jim Brown, Board of Forestry Chair Janet McLennan (who would go on to lead the Trust board) and many other capable leaders. Our mission was to invite individuals, organizations, communities and interests of all kinds to join us in helping ODF create a special place of learning and experience (especially for kids): the Tillamook Forest Center.
During those early years, we traveled statewide listening to people describe their own connections with the Tillamook State Forest, whether as woods workers, tree planters, hunters and fishers, motorcyclists, hikers or neighbors. The experience of the Burn and the reforestation touched so many lives and the forest was so much a part of its surrounding communities. People felt a strong connection, and pride, about being part of something much bigger than themselves.
For our supporters during those early years, helping the Trust build the TFC and its programs was an investment in the future, ensuring others could create their own special connections with this remarkable state forest. At the TFC we honored the generosity of our supporters with a sentiment as true then as it is today:
Giving, like the planting of a tree, is equal parts faith, vision and determination.
Underlying everything we did–both on the Trust and in ODF as we developed the TFC and a network of satellite interpretive sites and education programs around the forest–was a true belief and commitment to the value of connecting people and forests, a core element of the State Forests Trust of Oregon mission today.
Some might say encouraging people to get to know the forest is not forestry work, that’s recreation work. But that’s not the way we looked at. In order to stay relevant to a growing and changing public, we believed it was essential that as a land manager, we stay connected with the people who use and care about
the forest as much as we do. And that people who spend time here understand and appreciate the history and context of how these forests have been shaped over time and how they are managed today. Being a land steward means looking after all aspects of the forest landscape.
On this 25-year milestone, the Trust remains a catalyst for building new relationships and experiences that help Oregonians celebrate the heritage, the wonder and the future of Oregon’s state-owned forests. Congratulations and thank you to Trust donors, volunteers, and board, and onward for the next 25!
Doug Decker served as Oregon State Forester and Director of the Oregon Department of Forestry from 2011 until retirement in 2016. During his 30-year career with ODF, Doug led development of the Tillamook Forest Center, and also led funding and acquisition of the 70,000-acre Gilchrist State Forest in Central Oregon.
Doug currently runs the Executive Seminar in Natural Resources Leadership Program in the Hatfield School of Government at Portland State University, serves as a project manager with Oregon Solutions, and is vice president of the Oregon Geographic Names Board. He also researches and writes about old buildings and neighborhood history from his website: www.alamedahistory.org.
You’re Invited:
Field Visit to New Section of the Wilson River Trail
Are you curious about how new trails come to life? Want to see firsthand the work that goes into expanding outdoor recreation opportunities in our state forests? We invite you to join us for a field visit to the new extension of the Wilson River Trail on Saturday, October 12 from 9:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
This project - a collaboration between the Trust and Trailkeepers of Oregon, and the Oregon Department of Forestry- is dedicated to creating a seamless trail experience through the stunning landscapes of the Tillamook State
Forest. The extension will add approximately 5 miles of new trail that is easy to reach yet offering a backcountry feel for hiking, biking, and connecting with nature.
During this field visit, you’ll have the chance to:
Explore the New Trail: Be among the first to walk this new route and experience the scenic views and diverse ecosystems it will showcase.
Meet the Builders: Learn from the passionate Trailkeepers of Oregon volunteers and staff about the planning, design, and construction process of the trail.
Get Involved: Discover how you can support the ongoing development and maintenance of trails like these through volunteer opportunities and advocacy.
Whether you're an avid trail user, a supporter of outdoor recreation, or just curious about the work that goes into building our state’s trails, this event is for you!
Wilson River Extension Field Visit (Tillamook State Forest)
Saturday, October 12 9:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Getting there: Jump on a shuttle from Hillsboro or meet us at the trailhead. Locations to be provided upon RSVP.
Dress for the weather and wear sturdy shoes suitable for uneven terrain.
Click below to RSVP.
Celebrating Connections:
People of Color Outdoors Visits the Tillamook State Forest
We were thrilled to welcome members of People of Color Outdoors (POCO) back to the Tillamook State Forest for their second visit this year! Led by Pamela Slaughter, the organization’s founder and an inspiring advocate for inclusive outdoor experiences, the group enjoyed a perfect fall day exploring the Wilson River, where fish jumped in the clear water, and tadpoles swam in the shallows.
The group also visited the Tillamook Forest Center to experience the 'Roots' exhibit during its final weekend. The exhibit explores the intertwined histories of Oregon’s forests and communities, and Pam herself is featured in it, sharing her story and vision for building a more inclusive outdoor community.
These visits are part of an partnership between the Trust and POCO, aimed at fostering inclusive outdoor experiences in Oregon's state forests. Thank you to Pamela and all who participated for making this day memorable. We hope to see you out on the trails again soon!
Become a Sustaining Donor
The generosity of donors like you have been instrumental in furthering our work on Oregon’s state forests. Now you have a new way to deepen your commitment – by becoming a Sustaining Donor. Sustaining Donors provide consistent, ongoing support that allows us to plan for the future and ensure that recreation and education in state forests continue to thrive and grow.
Become a Sustaining Donor by enrolling in recurring monthly or annual donations. This way you not only simplify your giving—you amplify your impact.
Plus, you can enjoy a gift from us from the State Forests Trust Collection at Beaver State Market.
If you’re ready to make this meaningful commitment, enjoy these benefits, and help us continue to nurture the natural spaces we all cherish, click the link below.
