Special to the Bulletin
Families and visitors gathered Saturday, Oct. 18, at the E.O. Siecke State Forest to celebrate its 100th anniversary and a century of forestry progress in Texas.
More than 20 exhibitors participated in the event, including natural resource organizations and first responder partners. Guests explored hands-on exhibits and toured Texas’ first state forest, learning about its history, early research and the state’s first fire lookout tower.
The centennial celebration was the third and final event in a yearlong series hosted by the Texas A&M Forest Service, following earlier commemorations at the W.G. Jones and I.D. Fairchild state forests.
“The Siecke State Forest has been home to many firsts in Texas forestry, starting with its acquisition and management by our agency,” said Jake Donellan, Texas A&M Forest Service field operations chief. “Our centennial events have provided a glimpse into forestry research and progress across 10 decades, and it is our hope that Texans will continue to enjoy their legacy for generations to come.”
Acquired in 1924 as State Forest No. 1, the 1,700-acre Siecke State Forest was once a severely burned, cutover tract. Texas A&M Forest Service foresters quickly began reforestation efforts that would shape modern forestry in the state. The forest became the site of Texas’ first operational planting of slash pine, chosen for its fast growth and resistance to damage. That success spurred the rise of slash pine plantations across East Texas and led to the establishment of the Southland Paper Mill in Lufkin — the first southern yellow pine newsprint mill.
In 1926, the state’s first steel fire lookout tower was constructed on the forest. Standing 80 feet tall, it played a vital role in detecting and locating forest fires; during its first year, 135 fires were spotted from the tower.
The forest was renamed in 1951 to honor Eric O. Siecke, the Texas A&M Forest Service’s second director and state forester.
Today, Siecke State Forest continues to serve as a working demonstration forest and outdoor classroom, hosting educational programs, research and horseback riding. It remains a living tribute to a century of conservation, reforestation and public service in Texas forestry.
.png)
