Umpqua National Forest

Special Forest Products

Post and Poles

The uses for posts and poles are as varied as the human imagination. Popular uses include fences, corrals, flag poles, fishing boat outriggers, tepee poles, children’s playhouses, and jungle gyms.  Western red cedar (Thuja plicata) and other cedars are popular because of their natural resistance to decay.  Douglas-fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii), western hemlock (Tsuga heterophylla), and other softwood species with straight trunks can be used and will last a long time when treated with preservatives.  Peeling off the bark and allowing the wood to cure will add years to its usefulness.

Chain or crosscut saws should be used for cutting posts and poles.

On the Umpqua National Forest, poles are sold on a lineal foot basis.  Poles can be any length and no more than 8 inches in diameter on the large end for lodgepole pine and slash and 6 inches in diameter on the large end for other species.  All other material except lodgepole pine over 6” diameter on the large end is sold commercially. Poles come from designated areas only.