Senator Ron Wyden (D-OR) today announced a framework for legislation to resolve century old O&C Lands issues that he plans to introduce and see passed into law. Successful O&C legislation will create jobs in the woods, protect our clean water sources, old growth trees and habitats, and establish a permanent and stable source of revenue for O&C counties. The goal of this announcement is to get the greatest amount of local input while fleshing out the legislation.
The checkerboard pattern of our public forests stem from the late 1800s when the federal government offered land distribution schemes to settle the west. This included a Railroad land grant of every other square mile in a 40-mile wide swath of land stretching from
“This is legislation that can pass the Congress and be signed by the President to increase timber jobs, protect the natural resources that Oregonians depend upon and provide an opportunity for rural communities to fund local services. This legislation will build bipartisan consensus by working within the framework of existing federal laws.” Wyden said.
Wyden, chairman of the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee, has made passage of forestry reform legislation, for both the O&C lands and federal forest land on the east side of the Cascades, a top priority for this Congress. Wyden was a key architect of the only two major pieces of forestry legislation- the Healthy Forests Restoration Act and Secure Rural Schools and Counties Self-Determination Act – to become law over the past 20 years.
Governor John Kitzhaber said: “I want to thank Chairman Wyden for his strong leadership on this important issue, and for pushing forward a durable solution that provides adequate funds for county services, a stable and certain supply of timber and maintains protections for our forest and aquatic environments.”
His proposal would designate a substantial portion of the O&C lands for sustainable timber harvests while setting aside a roughly equivalent amount of land for permanent conservation. The plan ensures that the revenue from land marked for commercial harvest will be returned to the counties that host federal lands, minus costs to the government.
That proposed revenue would provide a permanent and stable source of funding for O&C counties when added to existing county payments and other federal payments. These future federal payments will be adjusted for communities with tax levels that are not on par with the average resource-dependent rural county.
Lane County Commissioner Sid Leiken said: “This provides everyone concerned about jobs in rural
The proposal would also create wilderness and other land use designations that would permanently conserve a substantial portion of O&C lands. This conservation will be focused on the clean water sources that Oregonians count on, protecting habitat for wild salmon and other crucial species, preserving wild areas for hunting, fishing and recreation, and protecting our ancient forests.
Steve Pedery, conservation director, Oregon Wild, said: We look forward to working with Senator Wyden on a solution that preserves the conservation values that Oregonians hold dear. The Senator’s leadership will be invaluable in finding a path forward that enhances protections for clean water, wildlife, wilderness, and ancient forests. These O&C lands are part of the broader legacy of public lands owned by all taxpayers and we must manage them well for future generations.”
The
“Oregon’s O&C lands are truly unique among federal land holdings and deserve separate treatment within the confines of the O&C Act,” Wyden said. “At the same time, forest managers have learned a great deal about conservation, clean air and water and habitat preservation since the Act was adopted and it must be updated to reflect that progress. This update must also give new life to the original guarantee of jobs and timber production in the Act.”
Wyden is asking for specific input on which O&C lands will be designated for sustainable harvest and which will be set aside for permanent conservation. He plans to refine that map over the summer with input from representatives of local communities, federal, state and local forestry experts, tribal and conservation leaders. Senator Wyden is also seeking input on the rules for carrying out both sustainable harvest and preservation over the long term.
Joe Gonyea III, Partner, Timber Products Company, said: “I want to thank Senator Wyden for his leadership to develop a coherent policy for managing the O&C lands in
Finally, the proposal would work to eliminate the unworkable checkerboard pattern of today’s O&C lands by providing opportunities to consolidate ownership through land exchanges between private owners and federal agencies. The legislation will modernize existing federal laws as they apply to O&C lands so that harvest can continue at a steady, sustainable, and uninterrupted rate after a one time review.
“Sustainable harvest will be consistent with the most advanced forest management practices advocated by Northwest experts and demonstrated in pilot projects and collaborative efforts across the state, including the pioneering and successful efforts in the
Wyden’s effort earned praise from other members of the
Senator Jeff Merkley (D-OR) said: “
Congresswoman Suzanne Bonamici said: “
