The Oregon Senate has confirmed Gov. John Kitzhaber appointments to the Oregon Board of Forestry for a Port of Portland official with extensive political experience and an Elkton, Ore., logger.

Tom Imeson, public affairs director at the Port of Portland, replaces John Blackwell as chair of the board, while Michael Rose, a logger with International Paper Co., replaces board member Steve Wilson.

Blackwell and Wilson asked not to be reappointed to pursue other personal and professional interests.

Imeson formerly served in Washington, D.C., under former Sen. Mark Hatfield and worked on the staff of Senate committees.

Rose, of Elkton, has represented forest industry workers for 36 years through the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers/Woodworkers District Lodge in Gladstone, and the International Woodworkers of America Local Lodge in Reedsport.

Kitzhaber said Imeson and Rose will bring valuable leadership, skills and perspectives to the forestry board as it works to chart the future management of state-owned forests.

"Managing all of our forests with sound policies is essential to Oregon's economic recovery and long-term well being," Kitzhaber said.

The Senate confirmed the appointments Dec. 12.

--Mitch Lies