Years working with forests: 5 Favorite Forest Creature: Winter wren Christian joined the Hampton team in 2018. With degrees in Ecology and Forestry from Evergreen College in Olympia, Washington Christian “cruises” timber for the company–appraising and administrating private and public timber sales for our sawmills in SW Washington. Christain and his dog, Bo spend half their days in the woods. He loves … Read More
Dale Claassen, Reforestation Forester
Years working in the woods: 32 Favorite Forest Creature: Long-Tailed Weasel Dale manages 60,000 acres of forestland for Hampton, ranging from 200-3,700 feet of elevation in Oregon’s coast range. These forests get 35-120 inches of rain a year plus a decent amount of snow in winter. White German Shepherd, Sam joins him most days in the woods. Dale grew up in a … Read More
Claudine Reynolds, Wildlife Biologist
“Working as a wildlife biologist is a fulfilling career that aligns with my lifelong passion for the natural world. My curiosity began as a child in the Oregon wilderness, exploring the rivers and mountains with my family. These childhood experiences led to young adult adventures which inspired me to pursue a job working in the great outdoors. I chose to … Read More
Russ Vaagen
As Vice President of Vaagen Bros. Lumber in Colville Washington, I personally spend a great deal of time with the members of our communities engaging about the importance of good forest management. This season’s fires are evidence of the importance of quality forest management. Working with our Northeast Washington Forestry Coalition, we have worked on more than 30 successful Forest Service … Read More
Heather Druffel, Forester
Unlike most foresters I did not obtain a degree in forestry, but in ecology and conservation biology with a minor in wildlife, and I am now working on my Natural Resource Policy and Administration master’s degree from the University of Florida. I have done everything from environmental education to marine biology research. It wasn’t until it was suggested to me … Read More
Extreme temperatures, disease, beetles impacted forest health in 2021
An unseasonably hot summer, fungal infection and insects damaged tens of thousands of trees last year, according to an annual Washington Department of Natural Resources (DNR) forest health report. DNR forest scientists and US Forest Service (USFS) jointly surveyed nearly 19 million forested acres throughout the state for their annual aerial detection survey. Of the 19 million acres examined, the … Read More
2017 WFPA Annual Meeting Videos and Annual Report
Watch WFPA’s 2017 Annual Meeting on TVW: President’s welcome and remarks, Executive Director’s remarks, awards presentation. Remarks by Commissioner of Public Lands Hilary Franz. “More Than A Forest — A Healthy, Working Forest” with Jenny Knoth (Green Crow), Jeremy Marshall (Hancock Natural Resource Group), Mike Warjone (Port Blakely), and Patti Case (Green Diamond Resource Co/Moderator). Luncheon Keynote Speaker – Dow … Read More
Forest owners are expanding forests to meet demand
A new report shows that as demand for forest products increases, the amount of forest inventory available goes up, which then leads to more forestland to store carbon and improve the environment. The report by Forest2Market (full report here) called “Historical Perspective on the Relationship between Demand and Forest Productivity in the US South,” analyzes U.S. Forest Service data in Southern … Read More
CLT is taking off in the Pacific Northwest
A story in the Seattle Times this week explores the benefits of cross-laminated timber (CLT) as a renewable and affordable building material, and how CLT is starting to take off in the Northwest. CLT is a contrast to traditional building materials like steel, concrete and plastic, which are major contributors to toxic greenhouse gases. “There’s a need to reinvent construction so that … Read More
Tom Westergreen wins ATFS National Outstanding Inspector of the Year
We are happy to report that the American Tree Farm System has given its 2017 National Outstanding Inspector of the Year award to a Washington forestry leader: Tom Westergreen. From the ATFS press release: Westergreen has a life-long passion for tree farming and ATFS. He was raised on and currently manages his family tree farm (in Whatcom County), land that … Read More