ODF Retirees Explore Restored Shellburg Falls
Trailkeepers of Oregon volunteers Nelson Kline and Tom Brauner (left) join ODF retirees and staff for a guided hike at Shellburg Fall, Santiam State Forest.
Seven Oregon Department of Forestry retirees recently joined a guided hike to the Fern Hill experimental planting area and Shellburg Falls on the Santiam State Forest. It was their first visit back to the area following the 2020 Labor Day fires. The outing was organized by SFTO Trustee Dave Lorenz, vice chair of the ODF Retirees Association, with support from the Trust.
At Fern Hill, ODF’s Assistant to the Area Director, Robbie Lefebvre, shared insights into the Department’s ongoing work to replant the Santiam State Forest following the devastating fires. The group then continued to Shellburg Falls, where Joe Offer, ODF’s Recreation, Education, and Interpretation (REI) Program Manager, described how his team manages the recreation area and the extensive effort to restore trails and visitor amenities.
Over lunch, volunteers Tom Brauner and Nelson Kline from Trailkeepers of Oregon spoke about their thousands of hours leading volunteer crews to rebuild trails, install bridges, and reestablish public access to this beloved area.
At Fern Hill, ODF’s Assistant to the Area Director, Robbie Lefebvre, shared insights into the Department’s ongoing work to replant the
Santiam State Forest following the devastating fires. The group then continued to Shellburg Falls, where Joe Offer, ODF’s Recreation, Education, and Interpretation (REI) Program Manager, described how his team manages the recreation area and the extensive effort to restore trails and visitor amenities.
Over lunch, volunteers Tom Brauner and Nelson Kline from Trailkeepers of Oregon spoke about their thousands of hours leading volunteer crews to rebuild trails, install bridges, and reestablish public access to this beloved area.
Leadership Transition at the Trust
After three years as Executive Director of the State Forests Trust of Oregon (SFTO), Kelly Lau is retiring. During her tenure, Kelly helped strengthen partnerships, engage new supporters, and raise awareness of the vital role Oregon’s state forests play in recreation and education.
“The best part of the Trust is the community of people who support the work of ODF’s Recreation, Education
& Interpretation Program,” says Kelly. “I look forward to spending more time on the state forest trails - hiking, volunteering, foraging and more!”
The Trust has wrapped up its search for its new executive director and will announce the new staff leader soon!
Progress Continues on Wilson River Trail Extension
Work on the Wilson River Trail Segment D extension has entered a new phase thanks to a grant from Tillamook Coast Visitors Association. This grant enables Northwest Trail Alliance (NWTA) to tackle one of the most challenging sections with their Single Track trail machine. SFTO Board Chair, Barrett Brown, is lending his time and expertise to operate the excavator to accelerate the build.
Once the machine work is complete, volunteer crews from Trailkeepers of Oregon (TKO) will be able to bench and finish this portion using hand tools. The partnership between ODF, TKO, NWTA, and SFTO highlights the power of collaboration in expanding recreation opportunities on Oregon’s state forests. Click below to get involved!
Pictured - Barrett Brown operating NWTA’s Single Track excavator and with REI Program’s Ben Burns and Roger Warren on the new segment. Tony Spiering, an early supporter of the project, also lent a hand in this phase.
