BLM Payments to Coos & Douglas Counties, Feb. 12

On Friday, Feb. 9, the BLM announced the distribution of almost $300,000 to two counties in western Oregon. These payments follow a formula established in the Coos Bay Wagon Road (CBWR) Act which authorizes payments to western Oregon counties, which remains in effect following the expiration of the Secure Rural Schools and Community Self-Determination Act. “These funds are important to these counties, and we’re glad to play a role in delivering them,” said Brian Steed, BLM’s Deputy Director for Programs and Policy. “We look forward to continuing to work with county officials to ensure that these lands provide sustainable timber harvests that support the community and strengthen the health of the forest,” continued Steed. Under the CBWR Act Coos County will receive $241,839.58, and Douglas County will receive $28,734.46. In November 2017, both Coos and Douglas County previously received timber receipts monies for their portion of the related O&C Lands Act payments. Payments made through the authority of CBWR Act are essential to these counties and help offset county timber and tax revenue not generated by Federally-managed forests. The counties use these funds for county services such as law enforcement, road maintenance, health services, schools, libraries, and other county services. Coos and Douglas counties have Coos Bay Wagon Road and O&C lands within their boundaries, so payments to those counties are covered by both the 1937 and 1939 statutes. These western Oregon lands lie in a checkerboard pattern throughout these counties and contain forests with a diversity of plant and animal species, recreation areas, mining claims, grazing lands, cultural and historical resources, scenic areas, wild and scenic rivers, and wilderness.