Associated Oregon Loggers Condemns Approval of Habitat Conservation Plan by Board of Forestry

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Salem, OR – In a recent decision that has sent shockwaves through the forestry sector and rural communities of Oregon, the Board of Forestry      passed a controversial State Lands Habitat Conservation Plan (HCP) that stands to drastically reduce state forest timber harvests by 34 percent, leading to significant economic and job losses across the state.

The plan, narrowly approved despite a backdrop of increasing concern and opposition, is expected to result in the loss of billions of dollars in revenue over the next 70 years, critically endangering the livelihoods of thousands and the health of our rural communities.

Despite years of public comment andardent feedback from counties, taxing districts, businesses, residents, and several Board members to improve outcomes and balance the HCP, State Forester Mukumoto and Oregon Department of Forestry (ODF) staff remained steadfast in their initial proposal, overlooking the significant socio-economic and conservation consequences of their actions.

Even more troubling is the clear red herring argument Board of Forestry Chair, Jim Kelly, made stating, “Projected harvest volumes for the next three years are quite healthy. […] So, I encourage all of you to keep focused on the big picture.” Chair Kelly tried to divert attention from the reality of significant timber reductions for the next 70 years by discussing projected future harvest volumes over the next three years, assuring job reliability without directly addressing the negative long-term impacts of the decision.

“This decision is not just devastating; it's a glaring example of short-sighted policy-making that disregards the intricate balance between our ecosystems and economic vitality,” said Rex Storm, Executive Vice President of the Associated Oregon Loggers. “This plan doesn't just affect timber harvests; it has profound downstream effects on our capacity to manage and respond to wildfires, compromises our ability to protect Oregonians, and severely limits restoration projects, stream enhancements, and road maintenance critical for recreation access.”

The approval of the HCP signals a troubling shift towards more restrictive forest management practices, reminiscent of federal policies from the 1990s that devastated local communities without yielding significant environmental benefits. The new plan will see vast tracts of land set aside as 'no touch' zones, effectively preventing forests from being properly managed and contributing to a constrained regional timber supply. Associated Oregon Loggers maintains that logging is conservation - protecting Oregon’s forests from the dangers of wildfires and insect borne disease.

Considering these developments, the Associated Oregon Loggers calls for immediate action to revisit and revise the HCP to ensure a more balanced approach that can meet both conservation and economic objectives. The Associated Oregon Loggers remains committed to working alongside community leaders, forest operators, and community residents to ensure ODF maximizes allowable harvest volumes under the HCP and that our voices are heard in the ongoing development of a Forest Management Plan for State Forests.

For further information, please contact:

Amanda Sullivan-Astor, CF

Forest Policy Manager, Associated Oregon Loggers

Email: aastor@oregonloggers.org

Phone: 503-364-1330