The Petersens

Petersen Ranch Timber History

In the summer of 1941, Oswald and Bernice Petersen moved their three young sons to the upper end of the Camp Creek valley. Lynn, Leroy and Alan would call the 387 acre property home for the rest of their lives, as they raised their families on the land located 12 miles east of Springfield.

The original ranch consisted of about 100 acres of pasture, with the balance being timbered with 20 to 50 year old Douglas fir. Over the next 20 years, Oswald and Bernice, along with their sons, purchased an additional 1,100 acres, including 1,000 acres of timber ground with mixed-age stands. Since 1997, when the brothers divided the majority of their holdings, an additional 200 acres of mostly timber ground has been added.

Over the years, a few core principles have guided Lynn, Leroy and Alan as they managed their timber resources. First, plant more than you harvest. Second, always remember that you are stewards of the land and therefore responsible for its long-term health and vitality. Stream protection, erosion control and careful harvesting are just a few of the priorities employed. The practices implemented by Lynn, Leroy and Alan culminated in their being selected as Lane County and Oregon Tree Farmers of the Year in 1997.

Third and fourth generation Petersen’s are now actively involved in the ranch’s management and operation, ensuring that the ranch will continue to be governed by the same principles used since the ranch was founded 70 years ago. During recent years, streams and springs have been fenced from livestock; marginal pasture ground converted to forests; carbon assets managed; and habitat established and protected for spotted owl and other wildlife.

Protecting and managing a small corner of God’s creation is a privilege and responsibility that the entire Petersen family takes very seriously.