As part of a continued conversation with the public about the planning effort in western Oregon, the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) is hosting a community listening session to share information and listen to initial thoughts and concerns about key natural resource and forest management issues locally, and across western Oregon. The meeting will occur Wednesday, December 11, 2013 from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the North Bend Public Library. The Resource Management Plans (RMP) for Western Oregon project covers 2.5 million acres in western Oregon in a checkerboard diverse landscape with multiple interests. The BLM is preparing the RMPs to meet the social, cultural, economic, needs of western Oregon. Many people care about these lands and how they are being used. Whether it’s where you live, work, or recreate; it’s your backyard. The BLM recognizes that we need the public’s input on these complex forestry challenges in western Oregon. We want to integrate public values and perspectives into the planning process. We’re inviting you to join the dialogue to find solutions to the challenges that will ultimately result in predictable outcomes. “The community listening sessions are designed to hear from the people in western Oregon and listen to their reactions and thoughts on key issues such as timber production, endangered species conservation and recovery, protection of old growth forests, and providing clean water,” explains Jerome Perez, BLM State Director for Oregon. “It’s important that we connect with our communities and have a constructive dialogue about these key issues.” The Community Listening Sessions will include BLM updates on the planning process and how it relates to the key issues being discussed. Attendees will then have a chance to share their input with the BLM and each other through small group discussions. The event will conclude with identified future opportunities to stay involved. Additional listening sessions are planned throughout western Oregon.
