Jane and Mike Newton Oral History Interview, May 14, 2010

Partial Transcript: Well, and of course, I was working full time.

Segment Synopsis: Mike and Jane Newton discuss their experiences with tree farming, particularly Christmas trees, on their land. They purchased their first ten acres in 1962 and eventually expanded to acquire more land in 1971. The initial tract was part of a donation land claim dating back to 1857, changing hands multiple times before the Newtons acquired it. The couple planted Christmas trees, initially trying to grow bent grass, but switched to trees after facing financial challenges. Jane highlights their involvement in the Christmas tree operation, describing how they planted the trees together using borrowed equipment. Mike discusses the history of the land, noting its exploitative use before their ownership, including plowing, planting oats, and subsequent pasture use, leading to soil loss and compaction. They transformed the unproductive pasture into a tree farm.

Partial Transcript: There was a residue. It's always interesting to think through a lot of this.

Segment Synopsis: The Newtons discuss the history and transformation of their land. The Eastern Coast range was once an oak savanna, but much of the oaks were removed for farming. The couple bought the land in 1971, finding remnants of oaks and snags. The area was cleared after World War II, turned into pasture, and invaded by blackberries. They successfully converted it into a Douglas fir tree farm, and the speaker explains different ages of trees and their growth on what is traditionally considered poor soil for Douglas fir. They highlight their management practices, including pruning and commercial thinning, to enhance tree growth and commercial viability. They demonstrate how, despite the soil's classification, proper tending significantly improved the land's productivity.

Partial Transcript: We had at least one rotation and maybe two rotations of Christmas trees that we took off here.

Segment Synopsis: The Newtons discuss their tree farm, mentioning having one or possibly two rotations of Christmas trees. They express their preference for growing trees over Christmas trees due to the ease of management and harvesting. The speaker highlights a significant moment when the woods covered the entire 20-acre area, and they share the joy of achieving that milestone. The soil, once compacted, has improved with Douglas fir, moss, and understory, developing a loamy, organic structure. The discussion also touches on the understory and the need for selective spraying to control poison oak in the primary recreation area. They mention the growth and quality of the prune trees, ranging from 14 to 18 inches, with significant clear wood.

Partial Transcript: Some of these paths are deer paths.

Segment Synopsis: The Newtons discuss a tree named Midnight Maxi, which won a growing contest due to its rapid growth. They provide details about its growth rate over the years, mentioning its original status among the Himalayan Blackberry cover when they bought the property in 1971. The conversation covers efforts to manage the land, control blackberries, and plant additional trees. They highlight the resilience and growth of the stand, converting it into a valuable and profitable asset. The mention of a pre-harvest spray and a decision not to harvest the trees emphasizes the evolving plans for the land.

Partial Transcript: One reason I wanted this stand is we've got a big swing type tree, a big wolfie Doug fir.

Segment Synopsis: The Newtons discuss the significance of preserving a forested area on their property, particularly mentioning a large Douglas fir tree named Midnight Maxi. They express the joy of having multiple generations of children play in the woods, and the value of the trees that came up through the Blackberry cover. The conversation delves into the historical land use, mentioning the effects of pasturing and the natural regeneration of trees after a clear-cut in the 1950s. Mike Newton describes the annual practice of creating firebreaks to protect against wildfires, using herbicides for safety reasons. The discussion concludes with observations about the changing landscape, improved soil conditions, and the visibility of the Cascade Range from their property.

Partial Transcript: We are interested in how species other than Douglas Fir might grow on this kind of ground.

Segment Synopsis: The Newtons discuss the growth of various tree species on their property, including Mexican white pine equator, Grand Fir, and Giant Sequoia. They highlight the challenges of mixed species plantations and mention the impact of gray squirrels on redwoods. The conversation shifts to the changing landscape, the enjoyment of their property, and the wildlife they observe, such as an amber-colored coyote. They express gratitude for the financial benefits of sustainable forestry, allowing them to afford the land and share the satisfaction forestry brings to their lives. The discussion concludes with a reflection on the joy forestry brings to both of them.