Work. Play. Renew.
How Recreationists Can Help Keep Forestlands Open
Private forestlands often give Oregonians places to hike, hunt, fish and enjoy the outdoors. For many people, these lands are tied to family traditions, favorite places and lasting memories.
But public access to private forestland is not guaranteed. Landowners must balance recreation with wildfire risk, forest operations, road maintenance, illegal dumping, vandalism and other costs. During fire season, those risks increase significantly.
That is why visitors may encounter permit requirements, vehicle restrictions, seasonal closures or other rules. These measures are often not intended to keep people out. In many cases, they are what make continued access possible.
Different forests need different approaches
Private forestland owners do not all manage recreation in the same way. Their properties, resources, road systems and operating needs vary.
Some landowners use permits to create accountability. Others restrict overnight use or motorized vehicles. Some properties remain open longer into fire season, while others close earlier because they are harder to monitor or face greater risk.
“We are all trying to solve the same basic problem: How do we protect the landscape while continuing to provide opportunities for people to enjoy it?” said Courtney Griesel, Oregon community relations manager for Sierra Pacific Industries. “The answer looks different for every landowner because our properties, resources and risks are different. That flexibility is one reason private forests have remained available for public recreation for so long.”
Public access comes with real costs
Keeping private forestlands open requires work. Landowners may maintain gates and signs, administer permits, repair roads, patrol properties and coordinate with law enforcement.
They also pay to clean up dumped trash, abandoned vehicles and other damage. Heavy recreation use can increase road maintenance needs, especially during hunting season.
Some landowners use gates and permits to create a clearer sense that visitors are entering private property and are expected to act responsibly.
“At Starker Forests, we require free permits and ask recreation users to be our eyes and ears,” said Jennifer Beathe, forester and outreach manager for Starker Forests. “We depend on visitors to let us know when something appears unsafe, illegal or out of place. That relationship helps us continue providing access while caring for the land.”
Fire season raises the stakes
A single spark from a vehicle, campfire, cigarette or piece of equipment can become dangerous when forests are hot and dry. A wildfire can threaten workers, nearby communities, wildlife habitat and decades of forest growth.
During high-risk periods, landowners may close roads, prohibit certain activities or suspend recreation entirely. These decisions are based on conditions, available resources and the need to protect the land.
Visitors can help protect access
Most recreationists act responsibly. But unsafe behavior, dumping and vandalism by a small number of people can put access at risk for everyone.
Before visiting private forestland, check current rules and conditions. Obtain any required permit, follow closures, respect vehicle and fire restrictions, stay away from active operations and pack out all trash.
When visitors follow the rules, they help show that recreation and working forests can coexist.
The next time you encounter a gate, permit or seasonal closure, remember that it may be part of a larger effort to protect the forest and keep access possible for years to come.
