Acquiring Forestland

Swanson-Superior began actively acquiring forestland in 1983 with the purchase of a 200-acre parcel of land near Creswell, Oregon. Since that time its western Oregon tree farm has grown to over 20,000 acres, located primarily on the east side of the Oregon Coast Range in Douglas, Lane, Benton, Lincoln, and Polk Counties.

Practicing Intensive Sustainable Forestry

Intensive and sustainable forest management are crucial to Swanson-Superior competitiveness now and for years to come.

Using a scientific approach to forest management, the company strives to achieve maximum economic growth from its forestlands. This increases land value and helps the company sustain its timber supply needs.

Under its intensive forest management program, Swanson-Superior forest managers work to help the trees thrive, not just survive.

We believe the definition of "stewardship" can be summed up this way:"If you take care of the land, it will take care of you." Because of its deep ties with the land and the trees it produces, Swanson-Superior's environmental practices complement its forestry program, both of which are based on sound science. Exceeding the requirements of the Oregon Forest Practices Act is standard management practice.

The fish and wildlife that thrive on company land demonstrate a commitment to silvicultural and environmental sciences. Swanson-Superior forest managers work closely with other natural resource experts to identify potential environmental hazards and take preventive measures. Swanson-Superior works in many ways to enhance its environmental resources. The water flowing through company land is recognized and protected by Swanson-Superior as a valuable resource. Reducing sedimentation from harvest activities improves water quality and stream enhancement improves fish habitat.

Acquiring Logs

To ensure that the company has sufficient small logs for its forecasted production levels, the company acquires logs from three sources: fee timber (company owned lands), government timber sales, and private landowners. Swanson-Superior's goal is to obtain approximately one-third of its log needs from each of these sources.

Tracking Change

Keeping pace with constant changes in the forest industry is a key to successful growth. Here are some of the ways Swanson-Superior foresters adapt to changes:

1. Memberships in research co-operatives like the Swiss Needle Cast co-op and Ponderosa Pine co-op.
2. Membership in the Oregon Forest Industry Association, Northwest Forestry Association, Independent Forest Products Association, and Small Woodlands Association.
3. Participation in forestry tours, seminars, and lectures.

Click here to see our managed Forestland

For more information visit these sites:

Northwest Forestry Association www.nwforestry.org

Oregon Forest Industries Council www.ofic.com