The Oregon Department of Forestry (ODF) invites public comment on plans that guide management activities in state-owned forests. Starting today through May 20, 2015 at 5 p.m., the public can weigh in on ODF district activities for 2016, called Annual Operations Plans (AOPs). AOPs describe specific activities during a fiscal year, such as timber sales and reforestation, road building, and stream enhancement and recreation projects in state forests for nine ODF districts. The draft annual operations plans are available for review at district offices and posted online at: https://www.oregon.gov/odf/Pages/state_forests/2016-AOP-Draft.aspx. Each year, the ODF State Forests Division also takes inventory of AOP-related accomplishments through an annual report. Learn more here: http://www.oregon.gov/odf/STATE_FORESTS/docs/management/annual_reports/2014_CFTLC_Annual_Report.pdf After the comment period closes, each district will review comments and finalize draft AOPs for the District Forester to review and approve. >Public Comment Details – Comments on AOP activities are most helpful when focusing on enhancing consistency among plans, improving efficiency, and providing new information. All state-owned public forests are actively managed as working forests under long-term forest management plans adopted by the Board of Forestry to provide economic, environmental – including conservation areas – and social benefits to Oregonians. Comments can be mailed or e-mailed to: Public Affairs Office – Attn: Tony Andersen, Oregon Department of Forestry, 2600 State St., Salem, OR 97310. Phone: 503-975-7427, or email: AOP.STATE.FORESTS@oregon.gov. >For additional questions, or to contact your local district office, please visit the ODF contact page: http://www.oregon.gov/odf/Pages/contact_us.aspx >To access and review FY 2016 AOPs online, please visit: https://www.oregon.gov/odf/Pages/state_forests/2016-AOP-Draft.aspx >For past AOPs online, please visit: http://www.oregon.gov/odf/pages/state_forests/annual_operations_plans.aspx >To access the High Value Conservation Area webpage, please visit: http://www.oregon.gov/odf/Pages/High-Value-Conservation-Areas-%28HVCA%29.aspx >For more information on state forest management plans:
http://www.oregon.gov/odf/pages/state_forests/forest_management_plans.aspx To join the ongoing conversation and stay current on state forests-related news, join the State Forests Online Community here: http://bit.ly/1cwZnnD