Elliott State Research Forest Land Board Remarks
June 10, 2025
I am so pleased to be here with all of you today at the historic Shutter Creek site.
From an Air Force base to a state correctional facility, to a site now ready for a new chapter rooted in research, learning, and community, Shutter Creek embodies the resilience and relevance of Oregon's state-owned lands.
As State Land Board members, we are tasked with striking a balance between propelling innovations forward and protecting the beautiful, unique qualities of Oregon’s landscape.
Oregon is home to some of the world’s most spectacular trees. Our forests provide homes for wildlife, clear, cold streams, places to enjoy the outdoors, and incredible climate benefits.
In The Lord of the Rings, the Ents – the tree people – are known as "Shepherds of the Trees" – guardians of forests. They were created in the Elder Days to protect trees from the industrious Dwarves. Treebeard, the oldest Ent, remembers when the Elves taught them to speak, a gift that allowed them to communicate and protect the forests.
Despite our beautiful, green surroundings, we are not in Middle Earth. Yet, it is our responsibility to be Shepherds of the Trees.
The Elliott State Research Forest will be a nationally significant center for forest science and forest management. It will also be an example of community-rooted actions to address our climate crisis by leading with innovation. We are the second state in the nation to dedicate an entire state forest with a plan focused on storing harmful emissions in exchange for carbon credit, generating revenue that will inform the future of forest management.
It’s no surprise that Oregon’s first federally-approved Habitat Conservation Plan is the Elliott’s – the research forest continues to lead the way.
And, the Elliott’s HCP provides us with the certainty needed that innovative research, economic and environmental benefits, and wildlife protection can all be achieved on the Elliott for decades to come.
I want to share my deep gratitude to everyone who made this exciting moment a reality:
- Director Walker and the Elliott team who have carried forward the Land Board’s vision of a research forest, bringing people together and finding agreement where there once was none.
- Senators Merkley and Wyden and Representative Hoyle for being champions of this national treasure.
- The state and federal agencies who have been integral to this success.
- The Tribes for their guidance and government-to-government collaboration for future opportunities.
- Oregon State University and the researchers advancing the essential forest science.
- The Elliott State Research Forest Board of Directors, some of whom rolled up their sleeves to explore the research forest idea back in 2018 and are still guiding these efforts today.
And, especially, Secretary of State Read, our longest-serving Land Board member – who, when Treasurer – planted the seed that grew Oregon’s first state research forest.
The work that’s now behind us has made us ready for the work ahead – and I am excited to see what’s in store for the Elliott. Let’s get to work.