These lands were acquired from two sources, are controlled by two different state entities and each has a distinct legal mandate that guides its management.

By law, these lands are managed to achieve a healthy, productive, and sustainable forest ecosystems that provides the people of Oregon a full range of economic, social, and environmental benefits.

[2] When Oregon was granted statehood in 1859, it received 3,500,000 acres (14,000 km2) of grazing and forest lands from the Federal Government specifically to support public schools.

[2] Most of the land that makes up the Santiam State Forest was originally owned by large timber companies, often associated with railroads.

Prior to 1968, forest management activities were conducted by workers operating out of the department’s Salem office.

Santiam State Forest geologic history began 40 million years ago with the eruption of a chain of volcanoes, today’s Cascade Mountains.

During the Miocene era, 15 million years ago, the area was tilted and cracked resulting in many new lava flows.

Late fall and winter seasons are normally wet, receives approximately 70 inches (1,800 mm) of precipitation per year.

[2] Portions of the Santiam State Forest are located within the community watershed areas for a number of Oregon cities including Detroit, Gates, Mehama, Lyons, Mills City, Salem, Stayton, Scotts Mill, and Silverton.

[3] The Santiam State Forest is home to large, healthy populations of deer, elk, cougar, and bear.

The results of the survey show a small, but stable population of spotted owls are located within the forest.

The North Cascade District is currently conducting fish presence surveys in order to classify the remaining streams.

Two important factors that influence the timber harvest are restrictions for spotted owl habitat and the emerging market for smaller-diameter saw-logs and veneer material.

Douglas-fir areas that have been recently cut and reforested are characterized by even-aged layers of seedlings or saplings.

These areas are typically mixed conifer stands that include Douglas-fir, hemlock, western red cedar, and noble fir.

[2] The Santiam State Forest has seven management basins delineated by major stream drainage areas and related land forms.

That unit has 5,276 acres (21.35 km2) located in scattered parcels throughout Clackamas, Marion, and Linn counties.

[2] Santiam State Forest is used for a wide range recreation activities including camping, hunting, fishing, mountain biking, and horseback riding.

The forest has five campgrounds, a number of maintained day-use areas, and 21 miles (34 km) of hiking trails.

Patrols enforce fish and wildlife, trespass, vandalism, and other state laws as well as fire regulations.

Department of Forestry officers also patrol recreation areas and provide visitor assistance during high use periods.