A roundtable discussion on the Northwest Oregon State Forests Management Plan and Habitat Conservation Plan processes will take place Friday, April 12 in Salem. This is an opportunity to provide input and learn about proposed changes to how the state manages some 667,000 acres of state-owned forestland west of the Cascade Mountains. This meeting will primarily focus on processes and timelines for both the Forest Management Plan revision and the Western Oregon Habitat Conservation Plan exploration. The roundtable will be at 1 p.m. in the Tillamook Room at the Oregon Department of Forestry, 2600 State St., Salem 97310. State Forests are managed under the Greatest Permanent Value rule. Based in state law, Greatest Permanent Value requires ODF to manage state forests to provide a full range of social, economic and environmental benefits. This includes: Vital support for local services like education, law enforcement and health care; Jobs, wood products and support for rural economies; Preserving and improving habitat, and providing clean air and water; Natural beauty, recreation opportunities and an enormous natural classroom for outdoor education and interpretation. To learn more about the Forest Management Plan revision and Habitat Conservation Plan process, please visit https://www.oregon.gov/ODF/AboutODF/Pages/Initiatives.aspx. This meeting is open to the public. Questions about accessibility or special accommodations can be directed to the Oregon Department of Forestry at least 48 hours prior to the meeting at 503-945-7200.
