“Imagine looking at a view and seeing all the places where you have worked over the years. There are not many fields where you can do that,” said Isaac Cherry, Lone Rock Resources forestry management intern, and upcoming UCC graduate.
“We are planting the trees that will be harvested long after our career is over. It’s cool to have this history and make a connection with the forest.”
From the top ridge of the north bank habitat, we are looking at 1,250 acres of forest, and this one parcel of land is a small part of the 130,000 acres of forest that Lone Rock Resources manages. Within each of those acres, there are over 300 trees, and for every tree harvested, several trees are planted, tracked, and cared for, and then 50 years later, they are harvested.
Isaac is getting hands-on experience working under the Valley Silviculturist at Lone Rock Resources, and UCC alum, Chris Mock. They are part of a team that cares for and manages the growth of forests. Isaac enjoys being involved in planning, inspecting, and being outdoors in the environment, no matter what the weather conditions are. He is taking measurements, checking tree health, and ensuring trees are on track for harvesting. The types of trees managed extend beyond Douglas Fir, and include Red Cedar, Ponderosa Pine, coastal Redwoods, Grand Fir, and Madrone.
Isaac started at UCC as a dual credit high school student while he was homeschooled. He served as president of the forestry club and established an internship with Lone Rock Resources, where many UCC alumni are currently working and continue to live in our community. “There is a benefit to working at a company like Lone Rock where you get to gather knowledge from coworkers that may have decades of experience.”
Chris explains the vital pipeline for future employees in that, “Forestry is a part of our local economy, and it’s great to have a direct route for educating students to work in our local industry. Half of our staff are past interns of Lone Rock. The influential connections you can make in the industry are endless, and you can make a living working in the woods in this natural environment. Everything is connected, so what we are doing here makes a long-term impact.”
Isaac will be transferring to OSU in the fall, and after he gets his bachelor’s degree, he plans on returning to Roseburg to either work in a company or for himself as a contractor. “The field of forestry is diverse, and I can take my career in many directions.”
Chris reinforces the commitment of UCC to student success, “UCC is there to help you, it’s affordable, and that’s great for many young students to save money and, after their education is completed, get a foot in the door. It is awesome for these students to transfer right into OSU in their third year of college.”
