Oregon Public Broadcasting

Logging will increase on state-owned timberland after a vote Thursday by the Oregon Board of Forestry.

The panel decided to move ahead with a plan that conservationists oppose. But loggers hope it will increase jobs.  Chris Lehman reports.

State-owned lands comprise a relatively small portion of Oregon's overall forested area. But they're a significant part of the economy in places like Clatsop and Tillamook Counties in northwest Oregon.

Supporters say the new plan will have the dual benefits of creating jobs and bringing in more revenue for county services and schools. But conservation groups decried the plan.

Jeff Hickman with the Sierra Club says it will lead to more clear cutting and fewer protections for salmon.

Jeff Hickman: “These are public state forest lands that belong to all Oregonians and right now this Board of Forestry is just adhering, just bowing down to one interest, and that is timber.”

Two of the seven Forestry Board members voted against the plan.

State forester Marvin Brown said afterward he'll form a subcommittee to further investigate some of the environmental concerns raised by opponents.

Online:

http://www.oregon.gov/ODF/STATE_FORESTS/Forest_Management_Plans.shtml