[ODF_Private_Forests] OFRI’s Web site now includes videos

[WEEKS Kevin]

Private Forests News:
This news release is forwarded on at the request of the Oregon Forest Resources Institute.

Kevin Weeks
Oregon Department of Forestry
(503) 945-7427
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>


March 4, 2010
Contact: Dave Kvamme -- 971-673-2948                      
For Immediate Release

OFRI’s Web site now includes videos,
enhanced access to forestry information

Portland, Ore. – In an effort to reach younger audiences and savvy Web users who want quicker response time to information searches, the Oregon Forest Resources Institute launched an updated Web site March 1 that includes video presentations and enhanced browsing capabilities.

“Oregonforests.org has been a traditional print-oriented Web site aimed at forest landowners and the public,” explained Paul Barnum, OFRI executive director. “But its information has been limited to PDF files based on printed publications. To stay current, we needed to offer Web users more video content and quicker navigation to printed pieces for those ‘deep divers’ who want more detailed forestry information.”

The launch coincides with the beginning of OFRI’s 2010 educational advertising cycle because those ads, Barnum said, encourage people to visit OFRI’s Web site. The ads on television, radio and Internet sites contain messages about Oregon’s Forest Protection Act, replanting after harvest, and safeguards for water and fish and wildlife habitat.
When they arrive at the site, visitors can open any of several videos that will take them into OFRI’s video library or link them to related print publications. Once in the library, 90-second Flash animations known as “Forest Fact Breaks” can also be accessed. These lively animated shorts are on subjects such as reforestation, forest fire, photosynthesis, clearcutting and wildlife.

Barnum said a Web transaction might go something like this: “An Oregonian – perhaps a recent arrival in the state – sees a TV or Internet ad or hears a sponsorship spot on Oregon Public Broadcasting radio. Next, she goes to oregonforests.org. There she watches the ad again or maybe watches a short vignette that takes her behind the scenes of the making of the ad. Next, she decides to dig deeper on, say, reforestation. Still on the OFRI site, she watches an entertaining “Forest Fact Break” on reforestation and then downloads and reads OFRI’s special report on working forests.”

OFRI’s educational advertising continues through June. To view the new TV ads and Flash videos visit oregonforests.org

###