A History of the Pacific Northwest Forest & Range Experiment Station 1925-1975

FIFTY YEARS OF FORESTRY RESEARCH 

This is a year of celebration' Across our land citizens will gather to observe the 200th birthday of our great nation. Along with the celebration of national birth, the Forest Service is also commemorating the first 50 years of forestry research in the Pacific Northwest. 

Fifty years ago the Pacific Northwest witnessed a new breed of woodsmen- men armed with the instruments and tools of science. In the years which have passed, scientists from the Pacific Northwest Forest and Range Experiment Station have worked to gain an understanding of the complex ecosystems of the forest lands of Oregon. Washington, and Alaska. The contributions of these men of science have helped to insure continued forest productivity and environmental harmony in the years ahead. 

To mark this occasion, we commissioned freelance writer Ivan Doig to do a history of the Experiment Station. Ivan drew heavily from a lengthy manuscript on that subject by former director Robert Cowlin. In addition, he had access to our historical files and conducted extensive interviews with five of the Station's directors. The result, we believe, is an entertaining summary of the early years of forestry research in one of the world's most important forest regions We hope will read it with enjoyment, and at the same little learn a little mote about Forest Service research in the Pacific Northwest.