by Rex Storm, Forest Policy Manager
Associated Oregon Loggers
Sen. Wyden Seeks Tribal Forests: Oregon US Senator Wyden (D-OR) introduced two bills that would establish tribal ownership of two forests. The ‘Canyon Mountain Land Conveyance Act (S.1415)’ would deed 17,826 acres of BLM forestland for the Cow Creek Band of Umpqua Tribe. The ‘Oregon Coastal Conveyance Act (S.1414)’ would deed 14,804 acres of BLM forestland for the Confederated Tribes of the Coos, Lower Umpqua and Siuslaw. The bills would reclassify public domain and O&C land to re-balance acreages.
Senators Call for Forest Management Reform: A bipartisan group of 17 Senators wrote to Energy & Natural Resources Committee Chair Wyden (D-OR) and Ranking Member Murkowski (R-AK), in December calling for reform of federal forest management laws. The letter cites the “need to reform the management of the National Forest System” saying “the status quo on our federal forests is unacceptable.” After lauding the short-term extension of county payments, the letter says “We look forward to legislation to restore the health of all of federal forests and strengthening communities.”
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