In the Beginning....

It was 1956 when Byron and Marguerite Doneen purchased the first 160 acre parcel of land that was to become known as the Little Beaver Creek Tree Farm, deriving its name from the stream that flows through the property. Three years later in 1959 an additional 52 acres was added to the original purchase. This 212 acres became known as the Wildcat Unit located near Gales Creek.

The property was certified as part of the Oregon Tree Farm system in 1958. Another 212 acres was added in 1965. Finally in 1987 the last unit of 70 acres near Manning, Oregon was purchased for a total of 494 acres.

Soon after the purchase of the original 160 acres, with the help of foresters and educational programs, it became apparent to Dad that although there were a lot of trees on the property, it was far from a forest under good management. There were two alternative courses that could be considered. First, leave the stand as is and let nature take its course, or second, put the stand under management. Feeling the second choice was just too challenging not to accept, a management plan was put into effect. There were certain principles that he felt needed to be followed. 1.) Take advantage of all assistance financially and educational. 2.) Spend no time or money unless justified by increased production. 3.) Finally, remove no vegetation that could be incorporated into the soil as the natural decaying process.

During the next 34 years, the family work continued to create a well managed forest. What originally was to be a hobby, developed into an economic entity.