In April, staff from the Oregon State University (OSU) Research Forests and OSU Forestry Extension hosted an educational tour of active harvest operations in the Tualatin Mountain Research Forest (Rocky Point trail system) in collaboration with NWTA. The event gave NWTA community members a behind-the-scenes look at the how and why of harvest operations and strategy within a research-focused forest.
Participants got up close and personal with a cable harvest operation, learned how land management decisions are made, how timber harvests support research and education, and how recreation can coexist with forestry practices. The tour also highlighted the transition of the land from ownership by a private timber corporation to OSU management, emphasizing a shift toward long-term stewardship, sustainability, and public engagement.
The harvest itself was presented as a demonstration of sustainable forestry techniques, including retention of unharvested forest patches, preservation of habitat features like snags and downed wood, and diverse replanting strategies. Trails will almost always be impacted to some degree during harvest operations. However, the impact to trails on research-focused forests is significantly less than commercial harvest operations, which was evident from being on the ground during this tour.
NWTA, OSU, and the Rocky Point Local Stewardship Team (LST) are working together on a plan to rebuild most of the affected trails. OSU recognizes the importance of recreation and is an active partner in trail restoration and future trail planning.
Right now, some trails in the harvest area are covered by a layer of slash and debris. Switchblade, Gappuccino, sections of Pipeline, Lower Mulligan, Moss Alley, Car Talk, Hop, Seth, and a Jump, and Bear Hunt are all affected.
As of May 11, Machete, upper Rollercoaster, Butterknife, and Stumpocalypse have been cleared and can be accessed via “the back way” up Pipeline. There are signs in the area to help guide you. The Rocky Point LST is flagging where severely affected trails will be rerouted.
It’ll take time, but hang in there. And keep an eye out for dig party announcements in the Fall. We will need loads of volunteers to help get things rideable again!
Please continue to respect any closures as NWTA is in the early stages of flagging and clearing.
For more information about the Tualatin Mountain Forest, please visit https://cf.forestry.oregonstate.edu/our-forests/tualatin.