The Oregon Board of Forestry unanimously adopted new rules to protect cold water streams that support salmon, steelhead or bull trout. The rules apply to forest management around small and medium streams in western Oregon north of the Siskiyous. The effective date is July 1, 2017. “This was a difficult journey. But, in true Oregon fashion, people of diverse interests and backgrounds worked together and crafted a thoughtful solution. I’m proud of everyone who joined the conversation. We found a way to protect cold water and allow private landowners to responsibly manage their property,” said Board Chair Tom Imeson. The rules will help reduce or eliminate gaps in the tree canopy along streams. The rules will do this by requiring landowners harvesting trees to leave wider streamside buffers on small and medium streams, keep more trees in the buffers after harvest, and better distribute the remaining buffer trees for wildlife shade and habitat. State Forester Peter Daugherty said, “The practical result of these rules is not just keeping water cold, the wider stream buffers will also provide other streamside benefits, such as improved habitat. The rule changes build on what Oregon’s forests are already doing well, providing the state’s cleanest water.” In 2015, the board decided to update and refine rules for harvesting timber to meet the cold water standards set by the state for salmon, steelhead, or bull trout streams. To ensure broad public representation the board convened an advisory committee of members from the conservation, forestry, fishing, and landowner communities to recommend technical changes to the draft rules to meet the board’s policy intent. Forestry held nine public meetings throughout western Oregon to bring the public into the conversation. Video File: State Forester Peter Daugherty talks about the new riparian rules – https://youtu.be/IQt6FGWTdW8 Video File: Board of Forestry Chair Tim Imeson talks about the new riparian rules – Tom – https://youtu.be/vw62tqR0g2c
