The New Era - All about Sweet Home since 1929

Individual small ownerships don't have a big impact on the sustainability of Oregon's forests, but this year's Linn County Outstanding Tree Farmers feel every acre helps.

Mike and Jo Barsotti also believe there is always something new to learn on how to blend your forestry objectives with what makes a sustainable forest. And it's fun to manage a forest in their backyard, they say.

The couple bought and moved to their 19-acre tree farm just south of Lyons in 2001. The ridgetop property is at 1,700 feet. It is part of both the North and South Santiam watersheds. It was fully stocked with 14-,...