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</o:shapelayout></xml><![endif]--></head><body lang=EN-US link=blue vlink=purple><div class=WordSection1><p class=MsoNormal>This news release is forwarded at the request of the Oregon Forest Resources Institute.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>******************************************************************************************<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>NEWS RELEASE<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>May 2, 2012<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>For immediate release<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Contact: Dave Kvamme – 971-673-2948<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>OFRI unveils go-to forest website for Oregonians<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>PORTLAND, Ore. – A new website will enrich Oregonians’ experience of their forests.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Produced and hosted by the Oregon Forest Resources Institute, OregonForests.org is a hub and jumping-off point for forest information, resources and activities. Campers, hikers and others looking for outdoor recreation and education will find it useful, as will students wanting objective information about the state’s most abundant natural resource. Interactive features offer visitors the chance to discover more about Oregon forest ownership, history, management, tree types and more.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The launch culminates a two-year project to replace OFRI’s previous website, said Paul Barnum, OFRI executive director. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>“The new site does a terrific job of delivering information to the public about Oregon’s forests, forest management and wood products, while also giving them information they can use to experience and learn about forests firsthand,” Barnum said.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>OFRI designed the website to make it more relevant and accessible, especially for younger people and those with little knowledge about Oregon’s forests. In addition to accessing outdoor recreation information, site visitors can download publications, watch videos, research forest management techniques and legal protections, learn about wood products, and get career and economic information. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Curious minds can use the “Ask a Forester” feature to get answers from the experts. There’s even a blog, written by OFRI staff and guest columnists.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>“We believe the theme of the site, ‘Where Amazing Grows,’ relates better to young people and those who rely on the Internet as their primary source of information,” Barnum said.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>OregonForests.org is one of three new websites created by OFRI to meet the changing information needs of Oregon’s public, K-12 teachers and forest landowners. OFRI is simultaneously launching LearnForests.org for K-12 teachers and forestry educators.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Barnum said that teachers should find the dedicated website particularly helpful as it correlates the state’s standards and benchmarks for science and social science with natural resource education programs and products offered statewide.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Later this year, the institute will introduce a new site for forest landowners, KnowYourForest.org, in collaboration with the Partnership for Forestry Education.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>OFRI was created in 1991 by the Oregon Legislature to improve public understanding of the state’s forest resources and encourage environmentally sound forest management through landowner education. It is governed by a 13-member board of directors and is funded by a dedicated tax on timber harvest.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>###<o:p></o:p></p></div></body></html>