Oregon Department of Forestry seeks public input on timber sales and forest management
Kelsey Merison
SALEM, Ore. (KTVZ) — The Oregon Department of Forestry is inviting public comment starting April 3rd on planned timber sales, recreation projects, and forest management activities. The feedback period for the draft Annual Operations Plans for state-owned forests runs through May 18th.
These plans outline on-the-ground activities expected to occur during the coming fiscal year. By law, Oregon state forests must be managed to provide social, economic, and environmental benefits, including clean water, fish and wildlife habitat, and revenue for rural communities and timber-related economies.
The plans involve seven specific districts across the state: Astoria, Forest Grove, Klamath Falls, North Cascade, Tillamook, West Oregon, and Western Lane. These annual plans describe discrete activities designed to achieve broader objectives established in long-range Forest Management Plans and Implementation Plans. Participants can view the documents on the State Forests’ Annual Operations Plans website.
Common activities detailed in the operations plans include timber harvest operations, forest road construction, and maintenance and recreation improvement projects. The documents also cover reforestation and young stand management, habitat improvement for native species and invasive species management.
Department officials said the most useful public input identifies whether activities are consistent with longer-range plans, offers suggestions to improve efficiency, or provides additional solution-oriented information. The plans also undergo interagency reviews.
There are three primary methods for the public to submit feedback. Online comments can be submitted through the Oregon Department of Forestry website and digital comments can be emailed to odf.sfcomments@oregon.gov. Physical mail can be sent to ODF Public Affairs at 2600 State St. in Salem.
The public comment period closes at 5 p.m. May 18th. Following the review of public input and agency feedback, the plans will guide operations for the upcoming fiscal year.