A resolution by the Oregon Logging Conference Regarding the Oregon Department of Forestry Draft Forest Management Plan.
WHEREAS, The Oregon Department of Forestry (ODF) is currently preparing a Draft Forest Management Plan to facilitate the implementation of the Habitat Conservation Plan (HCP), adopted by the Board of Forestry in March 2024. This plan is mandated by statute under the principle of Greatest Permanent Value and is intended to ensure a sustainable and consistent supply of forest products that generate revenue for the state, counties, and local taxing districts: and
WHEREAS, The HCP outlines a 70-year plan, indicating that the Forest Management Plan (FMP) currently being developed will have enduring impacts on all stakeholders: and
WHEREAS, the ODF has implemented an HCP that designates more than half of the land covered in the HCP, a total of 314,000 acres for habitat preservation. Under this plan, management activities within these protected areas are significantly restricted during the initial 30-year period, after which all timber harvesting is prohibited: and
WHEREAS, the reduction in access to forest resources on state lands has led to significant economic challenges for rural communities, including job losses and decreased revenue for local businesses that depend on timber and outdoor recreation: and
WHEREAS, with current harvest projections, the ODF cannot earn sufficient revenue to support its existing operations and staff. Recent financial data suggests that their expenses are expected to surpass revenues by $7.5 million in 2025 and $10.4 million in 2026; and
WHEREAS, The Board of Forestry decided to move forward with the HCP process using projected timber harvests that are higher than those being considered in the proposed FMP. Board members and ODF staff must ensure actual harvests reflect the levels projected in HCP development, which are closer to historic harvest levels; and
WHEREAS, After two years of both public and written testimony from legislators, timber industry representatives, and County Commissioners representing trust land counties, no amendments were made to the HCP. The Board subsequently approved the HCP by a 4-3 vote, without establishing a funding plan for the Oregon Department of Forestry.
THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, That the Oregon Logging Conference urges the Oregon Board of Forestry to adopt a Forest Management Plan with timber harvest levels matching pre-HCP discussions, prioritizing lands outside Habitat Conservation Areas (HCAs) and Riparian Conservation Areas (RCAs) to meet Greatest Permanent Value requirements.
BE IT FURTHER SESOLVED, That copies of this resolution be sent to the Board of Forestry for consideration as they adopt performance measures for the Forest Management Plan.