Oregon State University

Based in the College of Forestry with input from the College of Agricultural Sciences, Oregon State’s University Program focuses on forest-wildlife interactions, habitat management policies, and fire impacts on forests and communities. The program places a strong emphasis on policy education, with required courses in forest policy and forest policy and regulations serving students across multiple majors, including forestry, forest engineering, and natural resources. The curriculum provides comprehensive training in federal and state policies, including the Endangered Species Act and Forest Practices Acts, while encouraging students to become active participants in policy-making systems.

The program maintains alignment with Boone and Crockett Club’s mission through regular reporting, annual advisory committee meetings, and active participation in University Program meetings. While based in the College of Forestry, the program incorporates wildlife conservation and hunting policies into its curriculum through case studies in policy analysis classes. The program director regularly reviews communications and foundational documents from B&C and Oregon State to ensure adherence to endowment purposes and guiding principles

Research, Funding, and Publications

In 2024, the program maintained diverse funding streams, combining three endowments (including Boone and Crockett funds) with substantial external support. Funding sources included USFS Joint Venture Agreements ($278,000), USDA McIntire Stennis project ($6,000), and additional USDA grants totaling approximately $1.15 million. Total endowment spending reached $137,000. B&C (combined) funds leveraged $4.7 for every $1 for 2024.

The program produced five peer-reviewed publications in 2024, with notable contributions examining regulatory intensity on private forestland and California’s private forest regulations from family forest landowners’ perspectives. The program also supported important wildlife research, including studies of red tree voles in managed forests, and hosted a workshop in partnership with The Wildlife Society to share knowledge about vole populations and forest management interactions.