The Landowner Journey
We're here to help!
Every woodland, every woodland owner and every woodland owner's journey is unique--and yet there are common elements that unite all of them. No matter the size of ownership, all landowners want to be good stewards, to see their forests healthy and resilient.
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The goal of the Landowner Journey Working Group is to meet landowners wherever they are on their journey: from just starting out to completing a management plan and becoming a certified family forest landowner to long-time OTFS members wanting to keep up on the latest in forestry news and best practices.
Companions
on YOUR Journey
When reaching out for help, sometimes it's nice to know that there's an actual person ready to respond, to answer questions, and to help connect you to the resources you need. Below are Landowner Journey Working Group members who are happy to help you take those first steps--or simply to help you find the resources you need to complete your management plan or prepare for a certification visit.
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Benton County: Dave Ehlers
Clackamas: Dave Bugni
Lane & Yamhill: Kate McMichael
Linn: Mary Chamness
Polk & Washington: Wylda Cafferata
Eastern Oregon: Darren Goodding
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If your county isn't in the list above, complete the contact form below or email us directly at ortreefarmsystem@gmail.com and someone will be in touch with you.
Steps along the way
1
What's your vision?
What are your hopes for your property? What steps do you need to take to accomplish those goals? These two questions are a good step along the way of creating a management plan.
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For more about management planning, go to our Resources page or explore some of the topics on the management planning page of KnowYourForest.org.
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And remember, we're here to help connect you to the help you need in formulating your plan!
2
What do I need for certification?
An inspection meeting with an OTFS tree farm inspector is a key element of the certification process. At the meeting, you will discuss your property, your goals and how your activities, both past and planned, demonstrate your commitment to the sustainability standards required by ATFS. The inspection visit will include a walking tour of your property as well as a review of your written management plan and completion of the ATFS Addendum.​​
3
What if I'm not ready?
No worries! If you're not ready, either right now or even at your first meeting with one of our inspectors, you can become a Pioneer member of OTFS. This gives you more time to work on developing your plan and determining how your management activities will align with ATFS Sustainability Standards.
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Remember,
there is no cost associated with a certification inspection or OTFS membership.
Education & Outreach
In addition to working with landowners on their way to certification, the Landowner Journey Working Group also wants everyone to know about the Tree Farm program, membership, stewardship values--and how anyone can help spread the word as well.
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From brochures to videos to bookmarks, find them here and share them broadly!
Learn more about how landowners embody OTFS stewardship values on their properties.
OSWA members:
Discover what's in your OTFS Ambassador kit and how to use it.
