New Research to Enhance Visitor Experience
We are delighted to share news about a significant research project that the State Forests Trust of Oregon (the Trust) is supporting: the Wilson River Corridor Recreation Area Visitor Use Monitoring (VUM) Project. This initiative, in partnership with Oregon Department of Forestry (ODF),Oregon State University (OSU), and the University of Washington, aims to enhance our understanding of how visitors use developed recreation
Also in this issue:
Our 25th Anniversary
Meet Lorie Wigle, our newest Trustee
Laura Fredrickson’s lasting legacy
sites along the Wilson River corridor. We are delighted to share news about a significant research project that the State Forests Trust of Oregon (the Trust) is supporting: the Wilson River Corridor Recreation Area Visitor Use Monitoring (VUM) Project. This initiative, in partnership with Oregon Department of Forestry (ODF),Oregon State University (OSU), and the University of Washington, aims to enhance our understanding of how visitors use developed recreation sites along the Wilson River corridor.
Some members of the VUM Project Team taking a break during their June visit to the sites (from left to right): Zach Lee, ODF, Lorie Wigle/the Trust, Joe Offer/ODF, Ashley D’Antonio, OSU, Sama Winder, UWA)
The Trust is helping support the project with a $10,000 grant. In addition, our Trustee, Lorie Wigle, is graciously volunteering her time to manage the project.
ODF’s goal for the research is to get a better understanding of the recreational experience for those who are visiting the Wilson River Corridor, located in the heart of the Tillamook State Forest. Additionally, the research will explore barriers to recreation in the area, perceptions of how welcoming the forest is, and developing a general sense of the economic and health benefits for surrounding communities and visitors. Results from the research will help in developing future recreational infrastructure such as new trails or expanding campgrounds. Additionally, the research will greatly impact ODF’s and the Trust's effectiveness in securing grants to support maintenance and enhancements of trails and facilities.
Project Overview
The Project is a year-long study set to run from May 2024 to April 2025. Building on the successful methods used in the Black Rock Mountain Bike Area pilot project in 2022, this research will comprehensively analyze visitor use patterns across various recreational activities. Key objectives include:
Quantifying visitor use over 12 months
Collecting data to support economic impact analyses, including metrics like travel distance and party size
Understanding visitor demographics, perceptions of crowding, safety, and feelings of welcome
Testing methods for diverse recreation types in larger, more open environments
Innovative Research Methods
To achieve these goals, the project employs several innovative research methods:
Counters: Installed at entry points and select trails and roads to measure in/out movements, providing specific site insights (in partnership with OSU).
Chatbot Surveys: Visitors will be invited to text the number of cars in the
One of the signs at a trailhead
parking lot and answer follow-up questions, with an average response of 7.5 questions per visitor (in partnership with the University of Washington).
Social Media Mining: Platforms like Instagram, Facebook, and TrailForks will be used to gather additional data on visitor use (in partnership with the University of Washington).
In-Person Surveys: Monthly visits will be conducted to calibrate data and explore visitor perceptions and motivations (in partnership with OSU).
The ODF’s Recreation, Education & Interpretation Program has carefully prioritized sites and roads to ensure a representative sample, incorporating existing data from campground registration information, while also engaging organized use communities to assist with the citizen science component of the research.
Stay tuned for more updates on this exciting project and other initiatives supported by the State Forests Trust of Oregon. Together, we can make a difference in the management, stewardship and enjoyment of our precious natural resources.
Funding and Support
It's important to note that recreation and educational programs on in Oregon State Forests receive no public tax funding. These essential services are funded through a portion of revenue generated from timber sales. By supporting projects like the Wilson River Corridor VUM Project, the Trust can help ensure that our state forests remain accessible and enjoyable for all while continuing to learn and adapt existing infrastructure to meet the needs of today’s visitors.
Celebrating Our 25th Anniversary
This year marks the 25th anniversary of the Trust - originally the Tillamook Forest Heritage Trust and now the State Forests Trust off Oregon. Throughout the year, we will commemorate this milestone by sharing inspiring stories and launching new initiatives that highlight the Trust's impactful work over the years.
This journey has been made possible thanks to the generous support over the years of thousands donors, the leadership of our Trustees, and the unwavering dedication of countless volunteers who give their time to help steward the trails and facilities, and welcome visitors. Stay tuned for special features and updates as we celebrate our history and look forward to a vibrant future!
Welcome Our Newest Trustee: Lorie Wigle
We are delighted to welcome Lorie Wigle as the newest Trustee at the State Forests Trust of Oregon. A native Oregonian, Lorie's roots trace back to Bandon, where she grew up in a logging family, giving her a profound connection to our forests and their heritage.
After earning her B.A. from the University of Oregon, Lorie embarked on a distinguished 36-year career at Intel in Hillsboro. She
earned her M.B.A. from Portland State University between business trips.
Among her many roles at Intel, her favorite was creating and leading Intel’s Eco-Technology Program Office, where she and her team pioneered solutions to reduce carbon emissions and electronic waste. Lorie's commitment to sustainability was further exemplified through her presidency of the Climate Savers Computing Initiative, a collaboration between the technology industry and the World Wildlife Fund.
In 2020, Lorie retired as a Vice President and transitioned to an Encore Fellowship with the State Forests Trust of Oregon. As a Fellow, she helped the Trust explore ways to boost volunteerism on state forests, get donor input on the Trust’s name change, and explored new approaches to community engagement.
Lorie went on to serve as Interim Executive Director, advancing the organization’s administration, marketing and development efforts to deepen its connection with donors.
It was at this same time she agreed to serve as project manager for visitor-use-monitoring on Black Rock Mountain Bike Area in Polk County. Lorie reflected, “The project at BRMBA allowed ODF and the Trust to pilot and prove cost-effective approaches to quantify visitor activity and the economic impact of recreation at a popular site.”
“ … We’re counting on recreationists who love the forest to help contribute through the community science tools we’re deploying.”
When ODF decided to conduct visitor-use-monitoring at its trails and facilities along the Highway 6 corridor on the Tillamook State Forest, Lorie agreed to once again volunteer manage the project. “The Wilson River corridor is a much more challenging application of the research tools given its scale and porous nature,” says Lorie. “But we’re counting on recreationists who love the forest to help contribute through the community science tools we’re deploying.”
As our newest member of our Board, Lorie will lead our efforts to advocate for recreation and learning on state forests. An important part of this will be educating the public and community leaders about the social benefits of these forests. The findings from the visitor-use-monitoring with help underpin the Trust’s efforts to champion Oregonian’s opportunities to explore and be restored in their state forests.
Her extensive experience, passion for sustainability, and commitment to community service make her an invaluable addition to our Board of Trustees.
Laura Fredrickson’s Lasting Legacy
Since 2020, Laura Fredrickson has served in the Oregon Department of Forestry’s senior-level agency leadership position as the Recreation, Education& Interpretation (REI) Program Manager. Following four incredibly successful years leading the program, she has decided to start a new chapter in her career. We’d like to celebrate and express appreciation for her dedication to help make our state forests a place of connection, exploration, and rejuvenation for all Oregonians.
One of Laura’s standout achievements has been her leadership in developing the new strategic plan that focuses the REI Program on creating lasting and diverse outdoor recreational, interpretive, and educational
opportunities that inspire visitors to enjoy, respect, and learn about Oregon’s state forests. “Being an avid outdoors person, I think our state forests are hidden gems,” says Laura. “Now, more than ever it is important that citizens take the time to learn about our state forests and how they can help mitigate some of the effects of global climate change, provide critical habitats for threatened and endangered species, while at the same time providing outdoor spaces that are a essentially free to explore and roam. State forests are also a place of solace for those experiencing a sense of societal fragmentation in these challenging times.
Additionally, Laura worked tirelessly on advancing DEI initiatives within ODF, as well as raising awareness among visitors. Notably, she helped the program tell the story of the multicultural past and present of forestry and recreation on state forests through exhibits such as "Roots" and "Timber Culture" at the Tillamook Forest Center.
Another important contribution was her piloting of visitor use monitoring at the Black Rock Mountain Bike area in Polk County, which created the foundation to extend this research to the Highway 6 corridor in the Tillamook State Forest in 2024-25.
Through her unwavering commitment, Laura has fostered a strong partnership between the Oregon Department of Forestry and the State Forests Trust of Oregon. This partnership has been characterized by
advancing various initiatives that have enriched the the lives of many Oregonians and visitors from afar. “The shared work between the State Forests Trust of Oregon and the REI Program is more important than
ever in helping the general public understand the many benefits our state forest provides beyond just generating timber revenues for local taxing districts,” says Laura. “The Trust has helped galvanize existing and new donors and volunteers who are dedicated to helping ODF co-steward these beautiful forests for years to come.”
As Laura Fredrickson transitions to a new chapter in her life, join us in extending our deepest appreciation for her remarkable contributions. Her legacy will continue to inspire future efforts in recreation and learning, and her work will be remembered and built upon by those who follow in her footsteps.
Thank you, Laura, for your dedication, passion, and partnership. We wish you all the best in your future endeavors and look forward to seeing the continued positive influence of your work on Oregon’s state forests.
