Changes in commercial forest area in Oregon and Washington 1945-70.

Abstract

Between 1945 and 1970, nearly 1 million acres of commercial forest land: in Oregon and Washington were converted to nonforest uses. Road construction was the leading cause; urban and industrial expansion the second most important cause. Other significant causes of forest loss were agricultural clearing, powerline clearing, and construction of reservoirs and other bodies of water. An additional 362,000 acres of commercial forest have been set aside in reserved areas. Several changes in the ownership pattern of forest land have occurred, including an increase in National Forest and forest industry land and a decrease in Indian and farmer-owned land.

Citation

Bolsinger, Charles L. 1973. Changes in commercial forest area in Oregon and Washington 1945-70. Res. Bull. PNW-RB-046. Portland, OR: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Pacific Northwest Research Station. 16 p