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</o:shapelayout></xml><![endif]--></head><body lang=EN-US link=blue vlink=purple><div class=WordSection1><p class=MsoNormal>Private Forests News subscribers:<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Acting State Forester Nancy Hirsch provided this message to ODF staff Friday about a number of topics.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Kevin Weeks<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Oregon Department of Forestry<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNoSpacing><a name="OLE_LINK7"></a><a name="OLE_LINK8"><o:p> </o:p></a></p><p class=MsoNoSpacing>Message from Nancy Hirsch <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNoSpacing>Hi everyone – <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNoSpacing><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNoSpacing>I hope you all had some opportunities for rest and celebration during the holidays. The new year brings new challenges, opportunities and transitions – and some encouraging economic news. Here are a few updates to get us started. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNoSpacing><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNoSpacing>***Selecting a new state forester<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNoSpacing><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNoSpacing>The selection process is moving ahead, with the continued goal of having the position filled in early February. The Board of Forestry plans to announce two to three finalists after a series of interviews on Monday, and an employee/public forum is planned for January 25. Details of that event are being worked out, and I’ll share more information about that in the near future. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNoSpacing><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNoSpacing>***Lumber prices on the rise?<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNoSpacing><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNoSpacing>After enduring some of the toughest market conditions in more than 75 years, the North American lumber market is poised for better times, thanks to recovering U.S. housing starts, improved repair and remodeling activity, and strong demand from China.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNoSpacing><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNoSpacing>That’s the forecast from the International WOOD MARKETS Group, a consulting firm that provides ongoing market analysis.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNoSpacing><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNoSpacing>There’s uncertainty about the timing – and more patience required – but the forecast suggests improvement starting in 2012, and strengthening demand in 2013 and 2014.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNoSpacing><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNoSpacing>You can view the company’s press release at: www.woodmarkets.com/pressreleases.html<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNoSpacing><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNoSpacing>***A consolidated Forest Protection Division<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNoSpacing><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNoSpacing>We’re continuing to explore the concept of a consolidated division that would incorporate all of our protection functions – in fire, forest practices, insect and disease work, consultations with landowners, and urban forestry. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNoSpacing><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNoSpacing>We had a good conversation with the Board about the idea this week. While there is no specific timetable at this point, the Board is supportive, and would like us to continue to evaluate the efficiencies that might be gained. This is obviously a complex task, requiring input from the field as well as the Salem staff, along with our stakeholders.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNoSpacing><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNoSpacing>We’ll continue to keep you updated as the process unfolds.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNoSpacing><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNoSpacing>***Happy birthday to us<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNoSpacing><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNoSpacing>One highlight of 2011 will be the celebration of ODF’s 100th birthday. Thanks to much volunteer effort, particularly from our retirees, we’ll be acknowledging this milestone in many ways. Look for more details about our centennial activities in an upcoming update from Doug Decker and Dan Thorpe, the co-chairs of our Centennial Workgroup. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNoSpacing><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNoSpacing>So, a happy new year to all. I’m looking forward to moving through 2011 with you. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNoSpacing><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNoSpacing><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNoSpacing>All the best, <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNoSpacing>Nancy<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNoSpacing><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNoSpacing><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p></div></body></html>