November 18, 2016, Portland, Ore. — Ecotrust Forest Management (EFM) recently acquired approximately 5,000 acres of coastal Oregon forestland, on behalf of its investors, from Stimson Lumber Company. The property, now known as Onion Peak Holdings, is located between Tillamook Head and Nehalem Bay and shares a boundary with the beloved Oswald West State Park. This area has been described by the local conservation community as the “Coastal Edge,” and is characterized by rocky peaks rising from the ocean abruptly to over 3000 feet, creating dramatic views and supporting a unique compressed ecosystem unlike anywhere else in Oregon.

In recognition of the property’s unique habitat, adjacency with a State Park, and importance for local drinking water, EFM has entered into an agreement to, over the next seven years, sell approximately 3,500 acres of the property to the North Coast Land Conservancy (NCLC). NCLC, a nationally accredited land trust, has been working since 1986 to conserve and connect the landscape of the Oregon Coast and has developed a vision for the Coastal Edge as a corridor of coastal watersheds, between two state parks, conserved to both benefit wildlife and protect clean drinking water.

The Onion Peak complex, at the heart of Oregon’s Coastal Edge. Photo by Randall Henderson.

“This agreement is the first on-the-ground step in making this vision a reality. Now the fun begins: working with the whole community on a program that will conserve this special land, water, and wildlife for all time to come.“ said NCLC Executive Director, Katie Voelke.

In the interim, EFM will manage the property as a working forest in accordance with FSC (Forest Stewardship Council) principles and standards. EFM’s forest management approach values the full array of forest products and services and aims to integrate the production of timber, and the enhancement of valuable ecosystem services such as clean water, wildlife habitat, and carbon storage. Consistent with EFM’s policies, land owned by Onion Peak Holdings is open to the public for non-motorized recreation.

”We are grateful to Stimson Lumber for this opportunity and look forward to stewarding this unique property, including enhancing its timber, carbon, habitat and water provision values, while working toward an ultimate acquisition by our conservation and local partners,“ said EFM CEO, Bettina von Hagen.

Stimson Lumber Company, which purchased the property in 2004, is one of the oldest continuously operating integrated wood products companies in the United States and currently owns and operates on more than 500,000 acres and six mills. ”Stimson Lumber is deeply committed to the landscape and communities of western Oregon, and parting with this property was a difficult decision,“ said Scott Gray, Director of Western Resources. ”We were compelled by the uniqueness of the property and the Coastal Edge vision and the potential long-term benefit to the public through the realization of this vision.“

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About Ecotrust Forest Management (EFM)
EFM is a privately held forestland investment and management company based in Portland. Founded in 2004, the company has a 12-year track record of managing some 32,000 acres in Oregon and Washington on behalf of its clients. Its forests are certified by the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) and are managed to produce a full range of goods and services that benefit all of its stakeholders. EFM’s 11-person team has deep local experience in forestland investment and management, finance, tax credits and environmental markets. For more information, visit www.ecotrustforests.com.