Oregon manages over half a million acres of state forest land. That land is every bit as public as national forests, but historically, the state and the timber industry has treated it as just another timber plantation.
But that’s finally changing, and right now, the Oregon Board of Forestry is considering a Habitat Conservation plan which would set aside almost half of that land for long term stream and forest habitat conservation in the most critical areas of the forest.
This would be a huge win for salmon, steelhead, and other endangered species, and provide a major source of temperate rainforest carbon sequestration when we need it the most.
Unsurprisingly, the timber industry has launched an all-out misinformation campaign to stop this habitat conservation plan, even though it would still allow for logging in much of the state forest.
That’s where you come in. Your voice is needed, and there are many ways big and small for you to use it! If you’re inspired by this conversation today, please go to forestlegacy.org to learn more and get involved. And share this episode with your friends!
Ok, to break all of this down, I am so excited to be joined by Bob Rees. Bob is a 6th generation Oregonian who has worked for decades as a professional fishing guide, and serves as the executive director of the Northwest Guides and Anglers Association.
Show Notes:
State Forest Campaign Website: https://forestlegacy.org/
https://wildsalmoncenter.org/2020/10/19/a-70-year-conservation-plan-for-the-tillamook/
Bob Rees: https://nwguidesandanglers.org/contact-us/
Coast Range Association State Forest Page: https://coastrange.org/forests/