Oregon's Elliott State Forest is almost at the point of producing more arguments than trees.
The forest is supposed to supplies trees for timber companies, in order to provide income for Oregon's Common School Fund.
But environmental protections reduced the harvest. So in some years, the forest loses money, rather than making it.
The State Land Board is looking at options, including a possible sale of at least a portion of the forest.
Stakeholder work sessions will be held in July (see below), and we gather input today.
John Potter and Jim Paul of the Department of State Lands weigh in first with the overview.
After him comes timber official Bob Ragon, from Douglas Timber Operators.
He is followed by an environmental perspective from Steve Pedery of Oregon Wild.
The work sessions are organized as follows:
- Timber/Production Interests – July 7, Portland
- Statewide Conservation Organizations – July 7, Portland
- Local Govt./Economic Development Interests – July 16, Coos Bay
- Local Conservation Organizations – July 16, Coos Bay
Check with Oregon State Lands for meeting details; you can also send comments to elliottproject@state.or.us.
