How big is the La Grande facility and how many seedlings can be stored there?
The building itself is about 3,700 square feet in size and house three seedling coolers. The largest cooler is
about 40X25 feet, the medium cooler is 26X26 and the small cooler is 12X20 feet. Between these three coolers, over one
million seedlings can be stored.
Why are there three coolers?
Generally, early and late in the planting season, it may only be necessary to store a small quantity of seedlings.
During these periods it will be more economical and efficient to store the smaller quantity of seedlings in the smaller cooler.
Is the cooler designed only for storage of conifer seedlings?
No, the intended use of this facility is to store not only conifer seedlings, but also hardwood and shrub
vegetation for stream enhancement, riparian plantings and wind breaks.
How was this facility funded?
This facility was built with $92,000 of a $111,400 grant from lottery funds from the Oregon Watershed Enhancement
Health Program. Another $26,000 was contributed in labor and materials by cooperating entities. The seedling coolers
were obtained at a nominal charge as suplus property from the US Forest Service. However, portions o f the construction
funds were used to recondition the refrigeration units of these coolers.
What were the remaining grant funds used for?
Of the remaining funds, $3,000 along with an in-kind donation for $7,200 was used to develop and present tree
planting educational programs for landowners. This project was undertaken by OSU Extension Service.
Who actually constructed the facility?
The Private Land Forest Network built the facility. Dan Hoyt and Larry Brooks, who were hired by the
Network, were the primary builders. Some of the work such as electrical, refrigeration and concrete work was contracted
out to local contractors. Oregon Department of Foresty personnel also assisted in some of the project work.
Who were the cooperating parties involved in the project?
Major contributers of time, funds, or materials to this facility are:
Oregon Watershed Health Program
Oregon Lottery
Oregon State University Extension Service
Grande Ronde Model Watershed
Boise Cascade Corporation
Private Land Forest Network
Larry Brooks
Dan Hoyt
Natural Resource Conservation Service
Union County Soil and Water Conservation District
U.S. Forest Service
Other cooperators include:
Oregon State Parks
Grande Ronde Bird Club
Native Plant Society
Oregon Women in Timber
Wallowa County Small Woodlands Association
City of La Grande
Wallowa County Soil and Water Conservation District
Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife
