The week of Aug. 26 was challenging and exhilarating.
The foresters entrusted us with our own project and tasked us with preparing a stand for harvest. We had the responsibility to manage the entire process, utilizing resources like rule books and online GIS mapping to guide our efforts. Our responsibilities included flagging the unit boundary, measuring and marking all the stream buffers, designating various timber types, and ultimately cruising the stand to assess its current inventory. It was a rewarding experience that truly put our skills to the test.
Jamie Gassner
On Monday, I teamed up with Caroline and Anthony to tackle the flagging of the unit boundary and initiate the stream buffer flagging. Given the size of the harvest unit and the significant presence of streams, it took us nearly the entire workday to finish marking the boundary.
Despite the challenges, we made great progress together.
Large golden chinquapin, a relative of the chestnut tree.
On Tuesday, I collaborated with Jace and Daniel to finish the stream buffer flagging on the west side of the stand. Given the 100-foot-long stream buffer, the slope of the unit, and the dense brush, I was truly grateful for our team of three to tackle this part of the project.
Our combined efforts made all the difference.
Daniel and Jace.
On Wednesday, the interns took a break from the project to assist Corinne for the day.
In the morning, Anthony and I headed to one of Starker’s barns to clean out seeding straw in preparation for this year’s storage. This straw serves various purposes, including protecting disturbed areas with exposed soil.
The straw barn was nearly empty, we just needed to clean it up.
Later, Anthony and I drove a pickup to transport passengers for Starker Forests’ last summer public tour. We had the opportunity to visit Wren Hill Lumber, a sawmill just off Highway 20 near Philomath.
This mill specializes in utilizing small logs, around 4 to 6 inches in diameter, to produce boards for lumber and wood chips for paper mills. What sets this mill apart is its focus on these smaller logs, which other mills often overlook, thereby minimizing waste and maximizing the use of resources.
The tour was not only fascinating but also incredibly informative. (Did you know no part of a harvested tree goes to waste?)
Thursday and Friday, I spent my time with Caroline cruising our project unit while the other interns focused on different aspects of the project.
With the sun shining brightly at the end of the week, I had the perfect opportunity to capture a stunning photo of the sunrise at the Starker Forest office. It was a beautiful start to the end of the week.