The Gilchrist State Forest, named for the timber family that owned the property for most of the 20th century, was dedicated in June 2010. The new state forest owes its creation to creative funding partnerships between the Oregon Department of Forestry (ODF), U.S. Forest Service-Forest Legacy Program, Oregon Lottery and The Conservation Fund.
The state purchased the initial 43,000 acres of former Gilchrist Timber Company land in 2009 with $15 million in Lottery-backed bonds. In 2015, the Fund was instrumental in helping the ODF ultimately add 29,000 acres—bringing the forest to a total of 72,000 acres. The ODF will manage the land to provide a range of long-term benefits, including wildlife habitat, timber harvesting and public access for recreation. Click here for more information.
The state purchased the initial 43,000 acres of former Gilchrist Timber Company land in 2009 with $15 million in Lottery-backed bonds. In 2015, the Fund was instrumental in helping the ODF ultimately add 29,000 acres—bringing the forest to a total of 72,000 acres. The ODF will manage the land to provide a range of long-term benefits, including wildlife habitat, timber harvesting and public access for recreation. Click here for more information.
