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Board of Forestry

Blog, Board of Forestry, State Forests

Late Summer in our State Forest

August 7, 2014
Fish 2

Late summer is a magical time in the Tillamook & Clatsop Forests. Refreshing swimming holes provide families fun relief from the heat; spring chinook and summer steelhead head up the north coast rivers and streams, offering anglers the opportunity for iconic pursuit; and hikers rejoice on trails to University Falls, up Kings Mountain, and along the Wilson River. Mountain bikers are found throughout the forest. Hunters gear up for the Fall deer season.

These yearly rituals are all the products of forests that are hanging in the balance. The Board of Forestry is in the process of writing a new Forest Management Plan. In early September, the Board will receive science reviews indicating the best way forward. We are hopeful that the best available science will guide the Board towards a plan that protects fish & wildlife habitat, clean drinking water, and abundant recreation opportunities. Along with good science, it will be crucial that the public weighs-in over the next few months, explaining to the Board what we value on these lands. Sign up for our email list to receive important action alerts!

In the meantime, here are some good ways to be involved in the future of these forests:

  • The Salmonberry Corridor Coalition is group of public and private partners (including OregonParks and the Oregon Department of Forestry) that is working to develop a new trail through the Tillamook State Forest along the old Salmonberry Railroad. We and our state forest protection partners (Northwest Steelheaders Association, Northwest Guides & Anglers Association, Trout Unlimited, and the Wild Salmon Center) think it’s a terrific vision with great promise. It would be a tremendous boost to the region and would improve recreation opportunities on Oregon‘s north coast. But it has to be done in a way that does not harm the Salmonberry River and its iconic steelhead run. Click here to share your comments in support of a primitive trail through the Salmonberry canyon!
  • SkyhawkTrygve Steen is a professor of Forest Ecology, Environmental Sustainability, and Photography at Portland State University. Trygve has joined several North Coast State Forest Coalition outings, generously contributing his contagious energy and knowledge of our forest landscapes. On Thursday September 18th, Trygve will be sharing his thoughts on Forest Ecology and Photography  at the Sierra Club’s monthly program night. This evening should prove to be a fascinating and beautiful introduction to forest ecology and the numerous ways that forest management impacts us. Click here for more details!
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Blog, Board of Forestry

Conservation Areas are Affirmed as Board of Forestry Reopens Management Plan

June 6, 2013

On June 5th, the Board of Forestry unanimously affirmed a new state forest land classification called “High Value Conservation Areas.” The areas affected by the new rule include aquatic, riparian and wildlife habitats, as well as lands with specific plant communities or those with unique aesthetic value. State Forestry will bring forward new maps of the High Value Conservation Areas early next year.

Wilson River Trail (photo by Brian Pasko)
Wilson River Trail (photo by Brian Pasko)

The North Coast State Forest Coalition has been involved in creating unprecedented Conservation Areas on the Tillamook and Clatsop state forests for several years and we are glad to see the new classification finalized after a long process–a process that saw overwhelming public support for protection for fish and wildlife habitat, clean drinking water sources, and recreation areas.

Board Chair Tom Imeson conveyed Governor Kitzhaber’s “thanks” to all those involved in the Conservation Area process, including the thousands of Coalition supporters who attended hearings, submitted comments, and have been active in our effort.

Wilson River at Elk Creek (photo by Bruce Couch)
Wilson River at Elk Creek (photo by Bruce Couch)

Unfortunately, the Board did not make clear that these areas would be protected long-term despite over 2,000 public comments that specifically called for durability. As the Department of Forestry struggles under budget constraints, the new classification areas are at risk. The Board deliberated whether or not to set aside High Value Conservation Areas while exploring the opportunity for financial viability through new forest management plans. The idea to set the areas aside was discussed but ultimately dismissed. Instead, the Board might consider reopening these areas for timber harvest.

Chair Imeson reminded everyone that the areas affected by the new rule were now the “status quo,” and he called for even more conservation to be sought as forest plan changes are considered. The Coalition will be closely tracking the Board as it examines alternative management plans that aim to secure better environmental protections and more revenue from the timber harvest. We are skeptical that these two goals can both be achieved. The Board’s commitment to upholding long-term environmental health on these forests will be tested and we hope they are up for the challenge.

Wolf Creek Terrestrial Anchor
Wolf Creek Terrestrial Anchor

Our work to achieve balance on Oregon’s state forest landscape is far from over. The intense pressure to increase harvest levels continues to threaten crucial salmonid populations, water temperatures, wildlife habitat, scenic views, recreation opportunities, clean water sources, and a healthy forest legacy in northwest Oregon.  To get involved, “like” us on Facebook, join us for an outing, or just send us an email.

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