MOST OF OREGON'S DRINKING WATER IS SOURCED FROM THE FOREST.With so many demands on water, keeping supplies safe for drinking is a critical governmental function, one we often take for granted. We simply turn on the tap, and voila!In Oregon, more than 300 public water providers rely on surface water from rivers, lakes or reservoirs as their main source to supply about 75 percent of Oregonians with safe drinking water.
The Oregon Forest Resources Institute is proud to present select images, infographics and tables related to Oregon’s forests. These graphics come from OFRI’s photo library, or from recent special reports and publications created by OFRI. Both low- and high-resolution downloads are available within each image window. Please credit the Oregon Forest Resources Institute when using these resources. Select a specific gallery using the pulldown selector below.
In Oregon, nearly 50 percent of our state's 61 million acres is forestland. Our forests supply renewable resources for lumber, paper and heating, along with jobs that support families and communities. They also provide us with an active playground and a quiet retreat.Because we depend so profoundly on our forests, it’s important for Oregon students to understand not only how they work, but also how we are connected to them ecologically, economically and socially. Plus, using forests as a context for teaching can enrich student learning and extend it beyond the classroom walls.
Forest Fact Break: Forest TypesThis 90-
Bus transportationOFRI recognizes the effectiveness of field studies and wishes to support classroom teachers’ forest education efforts. OFRI may be able to provide transportation funds, on a case-by-case basis, to classes whose opportunities to participate in such forestry-related studies are otherwise limited.Apply online for bus transportation reimbursement.
OregonForests.org is a portal for information relating to the forest products industry and the management of Oregon’s forests as environmental, recreational and economic resources. View or order the publications and products described below.
This publication will help you understand how to best plant and tend to trees to ensure that they remain healthy and productive. Although forests are found throughout Oregon, this booklet focuses on those located west of the Cascade Crest.
The teacher sampler packet is a great way to receive an overview of OFRI’s K-12 education programs and materials. The folder contains the following publications appropriate for sixth- to 12th-grade teachers and their students:Life in the Forest: Get to know Oregon’s wildlifeFind Your PathFind Your Path Instruction GuideA complete set of all fact sheetsK-12 Forest Education OpportunitiesInto the ForestInto the Forest: Teacher GuideOregon Forest Facts 2021-22 EditionOregon's Forests (Poster)Oregon's Forests (Poster) Instruction Guide
This guidebook focuses on plant and animal species with special status that are found in Oregon’s forested habitats, and groups them by taxa. Priority species include those that are either state- or federally listed under the Endangered Species Act, protected by the Oregon Forest Practices Act, or included in the Oregon Conservation Strategy. This guide is designed to be used in conjunction with other publications in OFRI’s “Wildlife in Managed Forests” series. It is a tool to assist forest landowners and managers in providing wildlife habitat in managed forests.
The teacher sampler packet is a great way to receive an overview of OFRI’s K-12 education programs and materials. The folder contains the following publications appropriate for kindergarten to fifth-grade teachers and their students:
This classroom poster illustrates the role of forests and wood products in the carbon cycle. The poster shows the major contributors of carbon into the atmosphere, how forests absorb carbon through photosynthesis, and how wood products such as lumber and furniture continue to store the carbon absorbed by trees.
OFRI created this 24-page, full-color publication especially for third- and fourth-grade students. It provides a grade-appropriate overview of Oregon forests, including forest ecology, tree biology, forest management and forest careers. It explores how we as a society need to balance the economic, ecological and social values of forests. Illustrations, puzzles and activities engage student interest.
How can we get green power from overcrowded forests? This one-page fact sheet explores the “triple win” of thinning overcrowded forests to create renewable energy. Part of OFRI’s series of Forest Fact Sheets.
Are forests, carbon and climate change related? This one-page fact sheet explores the crucial role forests play in sequestering atmospheric carbon. Part of OFRI’s series of Forest Fact Sheets.
Why are some forests clearcut? This one-page fact sheet explains the management objectives and landscape conditions that call for large-scale harvest. Part of OFRI’s series of Forest Fact Sheets.
How do forests affect our drinking water? This one-page fact sheet explores the importance of a healthy forest to our municipal water supply. Part of OFRI’s series of Forest Fact Sheets.
Do you know Oregon forests? This one-page fact sheet explores the basic facts and statistics about Oregon’s 30 million acres of forestland. Part of OFRI’s series of Forest Fact Sheets.
Who owns Oregon’s forests? This one-page fact sheet explores the ownership and management objectives of Oregon’s five types of forest landowners. Part of OFRI’s series of Forest Fact Sheets.
How does photosynthesis work? This one-page fact sheet explains how trees and plants use sunlight, water and carbon dioxide to create oxygen and structure. Part of OFRI’s series of Forest Fact Sheets.
