Rural Cooperator Award: Jim DeFuria

Jim DeFuria, nominated by Laura Taylor, Forest Conservationist

Jim Defuria, a white man with a black t-shirt and dark beard stands in the forest.

Jim began partnering with the District in 2021 to develop a forest stewardship plan for his forested property in the Tualatin mountains. He has been working diligently for years to restore the ecological health of the forests and streams on his property as well as planting trees in his fields to establish new forest. While the District has supported Jim’s efforts with some cost-share funds over the past four years, he has done a large portion of the work himself. He uses organic methods for almost everything, requiring extra work, dedication and persistence. Jim recently took his work with the District to a whole new level by joining our Board of Directors to represent Zone 4.