Who We Are

Our Mission

Northwest Forest Conservancy (NFC) is a local, grassroots nonprofit corporation based in Clackamas County, Oregon. Our mission is to be an organization dedicated to then protection, restoration, education, and responsible management of the forest, all it contains, and all the lands and waters it influences.

From our bylaws: “This is accomplished by ensuring strict compliance of governmental authorities in charge of management of the forests in the Pacific Northwest; preserving, restoring, and operating historic sites; promoting responsible stewardship of Northwest forestlands and waters; educating the public about the unique natural values of our forests and the importance of preserving those values; working with groups and individuals to accomplish mutual preservation goals; and coordinate and develop volunteer projects.”

Our Vision

To be the “Go-To Nonprofit Organization” regionally recognized in historic preservation,
wilderness trail restoration and watershed preservation with our formal partnerships expanding in
the Pacific Northwest.

Current Programs

Each program is comprised of individual projects to accomplish its goals, as well as an educational component.

Our Accomplishments

Our Board of Directors

Northwest Forest Conservancy is administered by a volunteer board made up of the following individuals.

President/Chairman

John 'Jack' Oppelt

“I stumbled onto Bagby Hot Springs on the way home from a four day backpacking trip. The waters soothed my muscles and the atmosphere of the place soothed my spirit. I was impressed with the work NFC was doing and volunteered to help. Now as President, I've found a volunteer activity that benefits from my love of our forested areas, my willingness to put in a hard day's work and my desire to share both of these with others. My goal is to help improve access for the public to wild and historic areas while striving to minimize the potential adverse impacts of that public use - and have fun doing it!” Jack has a B.S. in Aeronautical Engineering from Purdue University, served almost 10 years in the US Air Force and currently works as a nurse in Gresham, OR. He was also NFC's representative to the Clackamas Stewardship Partners.

Vice-President

Al Hoecker

“Volunteers making contact with people using the area really helps educate them about what is going on in the area they are using, what history is present, and even what plants they are seeing. Every area has regular users and getting them involved with helping, even if that means just not being part of the problem, is the answer. So many areas and buildings have quite the story to tell and it is sad to think that no one will hear it or even know it was there. These sites can live another life & give many people and families a destination deep in the forest. What an trip for a family to hike to a historic structure, learn its history through interpretive signs or services, educate themselves and their children about the area, the environment, and vegetation, all in one spot. Then even have the opportunity to volunteer to help other areas or rent the building to explore further.”

Al’s background: Native Oregonian, Boy Scouts of America , 16 years; Friends of Bagby, Executive Committee 6 years, Vice President 1 year, President 1 year; Gleaners of Clackamas County 6 years, team leader 3 years, President 3 years; Volunteers in the Gorge (USFS, Ore State Police, Corps of Engineers, Ore State Parks) 6 years.

Environmental Awareness Director

Tamarah Rysavy

“I have helped at volunteer events for many years and done my part to help in the forest. But that is not enough. We all need to make the areas we use better than we found them. Volunteering is hard for a lot of people. It is hard to see the reward sometimes too. But if you can provide the volunteers with freebies, a fun education, and provide family participation, volunteers will be happier to participate. What about the freebies? Getting a reward for your hard work is natural. I want to make these areas better so I can enjoy them, so they aren’t closed or destroyed, and maybe get to use them for free.”

Tamarah is a native Oregonian with over 10 years of active volunteer preservation work on environmental restoration and hot springs preservation. Her passion for conserving our forests brings a wealth of talent to the organization.

Chairman Emeritus

Axtel Lambright

In 1998 as an avid Photographer, I was looking for a Guide to Winter Waterfalls. The road to Bagby Hot Springs had several spectacular winter/ice falls. Just past Bagby Hot Springs is Shower Falls, That day after taking many photos I was introduced to Hot Tubbing at Bagby. The next Month I became a 'Member at Large' driving the Honda Trekker, hauling in supplies and trash/garbage out on the return trips.in 1999 I was elected "Volunteer of the Year". In 2000 I began volunteering with the Northwest Forest Conservancy and Volunteers in the Gorge, a Columbia River Gorge Group.

I have found that Giving Back has immense Rewards. After a hard days work in the "Old Growth Natural Forest" a soothing soak in 104 degree mineral water makes it all worth while. I am a Botanical Geneticist (28 years working with Cotton), Diagnostic Automotive Engine Analyst, Electronics Engineer (8 years in the Biofedback field, 8+ years in the IC Chip industry/ rare gas control systems for NASA's Manned space flights. As Electromechanical engineer and Quality Control Inspector I worked on Rides for Disney, Aviation Electronics, and maintenance of equipment for production of Computer hard drive disc). Being a Board Member of NFC I look forward to the ever evolving tasks that present themselves in the Clackamas River District.

Director

Ray Sullivan

Ray started volunteering at a young age with his grandmother doing beach cleanups with SOLV. He continued being interested in helping the community as a teenager and young adult. He volunteered for various youth activities, sports, and community policing events. Ray was involved with continuing forest education and volunteer work with Northwest Forest Conservancy (NFC). After participating in Mt. Hood Public Lands cleanups with NFC and Cascade Geographic Society, he saw a chance to connect with both the public and the environment.
Ray volunteered as a police explorer and reserve police officer until around 2014, a total of over 15 years. As a former semi-professional football player he volunteered as an assistant coach for over 8 years in the 5th through 8th grade level with Oregon City and Cleveland Youth Sports.
Ray is a native Oregonian and still lives near Portland with his wife and two children. He received his Bachelor's Degree in Business Administration / Management from Eastern Oregon University and continued his law enforcement career as a Corrections Deputy for 6 years. He is currently working as a Patrol Deputy Sheriff in Oregon.