The Oregon Department of Forestry approved a plan to preserve almost 700,000 acres of state forest land for endangered species over the next 70 years.
- The Oregon Department of Forestry approved a Habitat Conservation Plan to protect almost 700,000 acres of state forest land for endangered species over the next 70 years
- The plan was implemented after lawsuits were filed against the state for violating the Endangered Species Act by selling forest land for logging
- The Oregon Board of Forestry voted 4-3 in favor of the plan
- The plan will cut timber harvests in state forests, potentially leading to job losses in the timber industry
- Some mills may be forced to close as a result of the plan, impacting tax revenue for Clatsop and Tillamook counties
- The plan needs federal input and is expected to go into effect in late 2024 or early 2025.
https://www.kgw.com/article/tech/science/environment/oregon-department-of-forestry-approves-controversial-plan-which-limits-logging-in-state-forests/283-9db6174e-cd49-43f4-b024-a6c4f5937aca