Looking at new ways to manage state forests in northwest Oregon

The Oregon Department of Forestry asked us to pass this note along to our supporters:

“THANK YOU FOR PARTICIPATING!

ODF recently hit the road and heard from community members in Astoria, Tillamook, Forest Grove and Lyons at community roundtable discussions focused on a new Northwest Oregon Forest Management Plan. Discussions and conversations at these forums were driven by participants, while ODF staff captured comments on flipcharts to take to the Board Subcommittee and Board as they work hard to decide on the future of forest management in northwest Oregon.

Total, nearly 110 people weighed in face-to-face. We received positive feedback from all viewpoints at the table, thanking ODF for the opportunity to have candid and honest conversations both with staff, and other community members on a broad range of forest management topics. Conversations centered on the Board of Forestry’s direction to develop a plan that addresses State Forests Division budget gaps, while increasing conservation outcomes on state-owned forests.

We also heard suggestions for improving future outreach activities, and will make adjustments for the next phase. If you’d like to weigh in on your experience at a community roundtable, or have new ideas for state forest-related communications and outreach, please let us know through our online forum here.

On behalf of the Oregon Department of Forestry, thank you for coming out and joining the conversation. We look forward to continuing the conversation. Don’t forget about ways to get involved online: Twitter,Flickr, ODF website.

Also learn more about the process through researching the Stakeholder Group site, and through the advisory groups working hard to ensure the new plan meets revenue goals and conservation outcomes.”