Forest Products Lab

Hello there, I'm Nelson Olmstead. Today let's see what develops when modern science takes a long look at a forest. Now here's Clint Reuber standing by with a few words for Pacific Power. Welcome once again to stories of Pacific Powerland, a presentation of Pacific Power and Life, the company that has been serving the electric needs of the region's homes, farms and industries

through more than half a century of progress and growth. Alright Nelson, on with today's chapter. When most of us enjoy a stroll through a forest, we let our minds revel in the beauty and infinite variety of nature's creations.

To a number of dedicated scientists working in Corvallis, Oregon, a stroll in a forest is a business trip. They train, practice eyes on the trees, the undergrowth of the forest, floor, and the animal life, seeking clues as to the ecology, hydrology, and physical environment of the forest.

chances are, their observations will be included in the vast compendium of research data on file at the Forest Research Laboratory of the School of Forestry at Oregon State University in Corvallis. Here in a modern all-wood building near the University campus, some 70 scientists, technicians, aides, and clerical workers work the year-round examining the forest and its products by the light of

scientific method and the latest in technological equipment. These are people who specialize in seeing the forest as well as the trees, as Lab Director Rudy Calendar will tell you. The forests of the West, in addition to being among nature's noblest creations, represent our most valuable economic resource.

The State of Oregon, for example, is nearly one half in timberland. That's why the State decided over 25 years ago that it would be advisable to learn all there was to know about forests. Today we carry on 15 different research programs including the regeneration, management and protection of forests, testing and improving the products, working with the economics of forest management