Should I Put Up a Sign?

Ric Balfour

Given the clear public reliance on personal observation to form opinions about forest management, the Oregon Forest Resources Institute (OFRI) has investigated what makes an effective sign for the public driving by Oregon's forests. We encourage people to "go out and see for themselves" because we know from research and evaluations of forest tours that "seeing" is the most effective way for people to learn about our forests.

Easier said than done.

Ever try to develop highway corridor forestry signage? Did you have to answer questions about color, type style, type size, wording and placement? All are key questions in developing signage and could mean the difference between an effective sign and wasted money. Unfortunately, the questions have not been answered consistently well. Consequently, signage ranges from professional to amateur, effective to counter-productive and cost effective to not. The public is often left without knowing what to think, or worse yet, that we don't know what we are doing.

Here are some of most important tips to help you define the type of sign that is right for your situation.

First, ask yourself the question: Should I really be putting up a sign?

This checklist will help you decide.

  • Is there a story to tell? What is the visual evidence in the landscape that supports the sign? People automatically look to the surrounding landscape for evidence of what the sign tells them. If you are calling attention to a viewpoint, make sure the trees don't grow up to obscure it.
  • Is the story simple enough to tell someone traveling along a highway at speed or stopping for a short break on the roadside? Signs placed for the traveling public need to have few words in large type. For example, to read a sign from 60 feet, the type size needs to be at least four inches tall. For signs read by someone stopping for a limited time, only 60-75 words should be used on the entire sign.
  • Is there someone to tell the story to? Signs are an investment and require maintenance, so there needs to be an honest appraisal of who would benefit. Is the message for the folks that use the road regularly to identify your property or for tourists on a scenic byway? Your state department of transportation may be able to tell you what the average daily count of traffic is per year on your road.
  • Can you tell the story or give the message safely? Your state transportation department can also provide guidelines on sign placement. Is there is a pullout that allows people to safely exit and enter the highway. Can they get out of their car and look around?
  • Can you maintain the sign once it is up?

    A poorly maintained sign fails to communicate your message and sends an "I don't care" message about you-the landowner. Choosing the materials that fit the life of the sign will help keep it looking sharp without breaking the budget.

    If you are satisfied with the answers to the questions above, then proceed to defining the type of sign you need. Here are a few types to consider:

    Ownership-These signs can be effective in sending the message that the landowner wants to be identified with the forest in the vicinity. A large sign with the company logo and forest name is typical; sometimes the sign is more generic, such as the "Tree Farm" diamond sign.

    Stand activity-Stand activity signs are labels that identify what happened, is happening or will happen in a stand. The most common sign in this category is the "Planted [year]" sign. Other activities can be treated in this way too, such as thinning, stream enhancement and preservation of wildlife habitat.

    Memorial-These are panels of plaques that commemorate someone who has been inspirational or important in your family or forest community as a whole. These are best read while stationary.

    Orientation-These panels are placed at trailheads or entry gates to direct visitors to opportunities or attractions. Typically, orientation panels include a map and a helpful "you are here" dot, as well as contact information and access rules.

    Temporary-These signs are used to advertise events or temporary situations. Hunting season information, road closures and heavy truck traffic alerts are examples.

    Interpretive-These are more detailed treatments of historical events, natural history and management actions designed for people to stop and spend time reading next to the site explained by the sign.

    What makes an effective sign?

    The sign is effective when it does the job intended. Choosing the right sign for your location, placing it so that it can be read by the traveling public or accessed by a safe pull-out, and keeping it in good shape are the basics. Choosing the right number of words in the font size, color and style for your setting is also very important.

    Doing a little homework before you call up the sign shop will save you money and time. To give you a head start, the Oregon Forest Resources Institute, with the help of a contractor, has developed a "How To" sign design manual for people like you-landowners. The manual will help you to select and conceptually design highway corridor signage relating to forestry that communicates effectively, is cost effective and looks professional.

    An updated version of the manual will soon be available through the OFRI website at www.oregonforests.org.

    Ric Balfour is director of Forestry Education for the Oregon Forest Resources Institute. He can be reached at 503-229-6718 or balfour@ofri.com.

    IFOA Signs Available

    Membership signs and property boundary signs are available from the Idaho Forest Owners Association for a reasonable price.

    Boundary markers have a high visibility orange background with heavy black lettering, and are made of fade-resistant .024 gauge plastic. A single nail, screw or staple will fasten them securely. Size is 3.75 inches x 3.75 inches. Cost, including shipping and taxes, is three for a dollar or a pack of 100 for $30.00.

    Help safeguard your woodlands from trespass or abuse with several IFOA member property boundary signs-you'll be glad you did.

    Membership signs are white and heavy black letting and the new logo in green. Space above the word MEMBER is available to insert your own family or business name (black stick-on lettering available at home supply stores works well for this). Made of heavy-duty 1/8" thick plastic, these rugged and attractive signs are 18" wide by 24 inches tall and have six convenient pre-drilled holes for easy mounting. Price is $12 each, which includes shipping and taxes.

    Proudly support IFOA and display your association membership at your front gate with one of these beautiful signs.

    Send your order request and payment to: IFOA, P.O. Box 1257, Coeur d'Alene, ID 83816.





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