Forest Resources Institute

The Oregon Forest Resources Institute (OFRI) was formed by the Legislature in 1991 to advance the public’s understanding of Oregon’s forests and forest resources. OFRI’s seven-member staff achieves this by offering a number of programs and publications.

The Oregon Forest Literacy Program for K–12 teachers and students stresses science, social science and reading to encourage critical thinking about questions such as: Why are forests important? How are they sustained? What is our responsi­bility toward Oregon’s forests? LearnForests.org is the website for K–12 teachers.

The website KnowYourForest.org organizes materials and services offered by the Partnership for Forestry Education to help Oregon’s 60,000 family forestland owners use forest management best practices. The partnership includes OFRI, the State Forestry Department, Oregon State University’s Extension Service, the Oregon Tree Farm System, the Oregon Small Woodlands Association, the Society of American Foresters, the U.S. Forest Service and the Associated Oregon Loggers.

OFRI helps the public at large understand the social, environmental and economic importance of Oregon’s forests through its main website, OregonForests.org, and by producing topical publications and videos, speakers bureau presentations and educational advertising.