ADAIR TRACT STATE FOREST
ADAIR TRACT STATE FOREST 97330
(lat:44.6965 lon:-123.2943)
The Adair Tract State Forest is a vast and breathtaking expanse of natural beauty, known for its dense forests, diverse wildlife, and pristine hiking trails. Spanning over thousands of acres, this protected area is a haven for nature enthusiasts, offering opportunities for camping, fishing, and bird-watching. With its towering trees, shimmering creeks, and serene surroundings, the Adair Tract State Forest provides an enchanting escape from the hustle and bustle of daily life, allowing visitors to reconnect with the tranquil wonders of the Pacific Northwest.
The Adair Tract State Forest is a forested parcel of land located in Benton County, Oregon. It has a long and complex history, with various changes in ownership and management over the years.
The history of the Adair Tract State Forest can be traced back to the early 1900s when it was part of the Oregon Agricultural College (now known as Oregon State University) forest holdings. In 1958, the forest was transferred to the Oregon State Board of Forestry and became part of the Oregon State Forests system.
During this time, the forest remained largely undeveloped, with some logging activities taking place to support sustainable timber production. In 1990, the state launched a program called "The Harvest Block Project" which aimed to convert portions of the Adair Tract State Forest into harvestable timber stands. This project allowed for greater revenue generation through carefully managed timber harvesting.
In 2013, the management of the Adair Tract State Forest was transferred to the Oregon Department of State Lands (DSL) as part of a larger effort to consolidate state forest management. Under DSL, the forest continued to be managed for multiple uses, including timber production, wildlife habitat, and recreation.
The forest also holds cultural significance as it is part of the traditional lands of the Kalapuya people, who inhabited the area for thousands of years. The Kalapuya were forcibly removed from their lands during the 19th century through a series of treaties and land deals. Today, efforts are being made to acknowledge and preserve the cultural heritage of the Kalapuya people on the Adair Tract State Forest.