By Larry Mauter
LCSWA member
For The New Era
Forest property owners in Linn County looking for technical or financial assistance with their woodlands should circle Jan. 18 on the calendar.
The Linn County Small Woodlands Association will host its annual membership and business meeting in Scio on that date — at a new time (noon to 4 p.m.) to reduce night-time driving.
The meeting will feature experts from various state and federal and local agencies who will explain various program options, said Mike Barsotti, LCSWA president and retired forester.
“We will have speakers that offer money and/or advise on ways we can meet our forestry goals,” he said at the Dec. 5 LCSWA board of directors meeting.
The Jan. 18 meeting will have five-minute speaking slots for about five organizations.
Among organizations that may be represented are Oregon Department of Forestry, Oregon State University Extension Service, Natural Resources Conservation Service, and local watershed councils.
Also speaking will be Rick Zenn, OSWA’s executive director. He will share a bit on OSWA activities as well as the upcoming Oregon Legislative Session which will start Jan. 21.
The future generation — Linn County 4-H members — will also be part of the program.
Fay Sallee, LCSWA 4-H education chair, said students will make brief presentations on their forestry projects during the gathering.
Sallee said she will also have a sign-up sheet at the meeting for volunteers at the 30th annual LCSWA seedling sale. Members and 4-Hers are needed to prepare orders Thursday through Saturday, Feb. 13-15.
A potluck meal will kick off the afternoon following introductions. Participants are asked to bring a main dish and a side dish — salad or desert. There is a kitchen facility at the meeting location — the historic ZCBJ Hall, 38704 N. Main St. in downtown Scio.
Past events have featured smoked fish, elk or venison sausage, outlandish deserts and optional veggie or gluten-free offerings.
LCSWA furnishes punch and coffee. Members are asked to bring their own plates and silverware. Door prizes and an auction are among the events.
The chapter will follow up with a post card in mail boxes by early January covering annual meeting details.