Remembering a Friend of the Forest: Eric P. Rasmussen (1937–2026)

This February, our community lost a titan of sustainable forestry and a dear friend, Eric Rasmussen. Those of you who have been fortunate enough to visit the Siuslaw Model Forest may recall that Eric managed these woods for over 50 years and graciously donated the 142-acre forest to CCE in 2006. He continued to steward the woods alongside us and remained heavily involved in our mission, taking interns and staff under his wing and teaching them tree identification and best management practices.

Eric’s journey as a steward began long before he settled in Acra, NY. A graduate of Paul Smith’s College and SUNY-ESF, his early career took him to the Pacific Northwest as a forester for the U.S. Forest Service at the Siuslaw National Forest in Oregon. When he returned to New York, he brought that "Siuslaw" spirit with him, naming the property after the native word "meaning land of the far away river".

Eric wasn't just a landowner; he was the embodiment of what it means to be a Master Forest Owner (MFO). Named a “Hero of Conservation” by Field & Stream magazine, his outreach, support and service over the years were extensive and included memberships in the Society of American Foresters, Catskill Forest Association, New York Forest Owners Association (NYFOA), Greene Land Trust, and more. Eric received many awards and recognitions including Tree Farmer of the Year (1999), NYFOA "Friend of the Forest", and the Heiberg Award for outstanding contributions in forestry and conservation.

As a community leader in conservation, Eric served on boards and as Chair of the Greene County Soil and Water Conservation District and was a member of the NYC Watershed Agricultural Council. Eric might be known best for initiating the Environmental Awareness Days in 1969, a program that still introduces hundreds of students to forestry every year, at the land he once stewarded.

Eric’s legacy is now permanently etched into the landscape of Greene County through the Siuslaw Model Forest. Because of Eric’s passion and foresight, the land now serves as a permanent classroom where MFOs, researchers, landowners, and others can see Best Management Practices (BMPs) in action. From timber stand improvement to water quality protection, Eric’s "land of the far away river" continues to teach us how to care for the woods.

Last updated March 23, 2026