Memories of Dr. Hal Salwasser

We are deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Dr. Hal Salwasser, former PFT board member. Hal was a leader in forest stewardship who helped change the direction of our national forests and build a new generation of forest stewards. Known as “Senator Sal” for his thoughtful bearing and deep voice, he was well-respected in the forestry community.

Hal’s work lives on in the forests he helped managed, and in the students he taught, both at the University of Montana, and at the OSU College of Forestry. Our thoughts are with Hal and his family.

“I met Hal while working on spotted owls long, long ago. Those were very contentious times, and Hal was always the voice of calm and reason, the gentleman at the table. He will be missed.”

—Dean Urban, Ph.D., Board of Directors

“Hal and I shared a humbling moment when he was head of the U.S. Forest Service PSW Research Station and I represented the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection. We signed a 100-year commitment between the USFS and CDF to continue the research at the Caspar Creek Experimental Watershed study, an endeavor that indeed looks to long-term data and forest stewardship into the future. As we signed the document we looked at each other, and realized that the symbolism would far outlast us.

Hal was always looking beyond the dispute of the day to a bigger vision of forests and the forestry profession, and it was an honor to know him.”

—Andrea Tuttle, Ph.D., Chair, Board of Directors

“…I have countless fond memories of working with Sal during his time with the USFS. He left some very large shoes to fill.”

—Don Koch, Secretary, Board of Directors

“Hal Salwasser was a wonderful friend to PFT, as well as a mentor and a personal friend to me. He had the inspiration, wisdom, and will to improve how we steward land and forests.”

—Laurie Wayburn, Co-Founder, Co-CEO, and President