Chris and Donna Heffernan always realized that improving wildlife habitat on their land would ensure the profitability of their timber and cattle operation. Eleven years after buying the 2,000-acre North Slope Ranch their approach to investing in the whole landscape has paid off.

North Slope Ranch is near the base of the Elk Horn range in Union County. Elevations run from 3,500 to 4,300 feet, providing a wide range of habitats. While they have harvested around 1.2 million board feet and also produce cattle and hay, Chris will tell you that stewarding wildlife resources is an essential part of the bigger picture. "Wildlife enhancements and financial stability in timber and cattle go hand in hand."

In 1996, the Heffernans started working with a number of stakeholder groups that also value wildlife, including the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife and Department of Forestry, Pheasants Forever, Oregon Hunters Association, National Turkey Federation, Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation and the Oregon Watershed Enhancement Board.

The relationship between outside stakeholder groups, the Heffernans and the wildlife has been a good one ever since.

The Heffernans take advantage of the groups' financial and technical assistance; they often match grants with their own money to pay for wildlife enhancement projects. Elk, mule deer and white-tailed deer and turkey are some of the species that flourish on the ranch. Waterfowl use streamside riparian areas and ponds during all times of the year, but particularly in nesting season.

Working with the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation and Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife, the Heffernans have decided not to log at all in some areas that elk use. In other areas, thinning overstocked stands has really improved conditions for big game.

In a riparian project, the Oregon Watershed Enhancement Board provided a grant to install fencing around three stock ponds. "Now you don't have cattle going down to the water's edge during waterfowl nesting periods." The fencing benefited the fish and waterfowl but also the cattle. Cleaner water is now sent down hill from the pond to a floated trough that also accommodates stand pipe for fire protection.

The Heffernan's land management approach is also a boon for hunters and wildlife enthusiasts. They do not charge a fee for hunting (the ranch would not be eligible for some of the financial assistance they get from agencies or foundations if they did). Instead they allow hunting by permission and donate use of their land for young people to learn how to hunt. "It's a privilege to have a grandpa and grandson taking their first elk together, to be able to promote that kind of heritage."

The Heffernan's innovative approach to land management has gotten the attention of national organizations. They were awarded the National Big Game Farmer of the Year award by Progressive Farmer magazine, and the National Turkey Federation gave them the Western States Award, both in 2002.

The awards honor the whole family. Sheldon, 15, and Justin, 18, help Chris and Donna by planting trees and thinning. Both sons want to continue working on the land. "It is a huge honor and a blessing to provide for my wife and kids in this way, with wildlife, cattle and providing fire protection with good forest management." Chris feels they are truly living the American western way of life. "It's hard to put a price on that. We recognize
how fortunate we really are."

The Heffernan family will start a new venture soon, North Slope Natural Resources, a forest, wildlife and natural resources management consulting service. The North Slope Ranch will be an example. "There are lots of things you can do through grazing land and timber land management."

When asked for his advice for other forest landowners Chris says "Take advantage of the incentive programs. It still will cost you a little bit but the long term benefits are incredible." "Ultimately," he says, "we want to pass along a diverse and profitable ranch to the next generation."