Senator Wyden Releases New Plan for Northwest Forest Management

Washington, D.C. (May 23, 2013) — Oregon Senator Ron Wyden today released a framework for management of Oregon’s O&C forests. Below is a statement from Jamie Rappaport Clark, President, Defenders of Wildlife.

"We appreciate Senator Wyden's commitment to resolve conflicts surrounding the management of Northwest forests, but we urge the Senator to proceed carefully. The proposal outlined today has the potential to result in some damaging outcomes if not thoughtfully executed.

“Although Senator Wyden is on record saying he believes management of Oregon’s O&C forests should operate within existing environmental laws, there are aspects of this proposal which raise the concern that these laws may be weakened to accommodate new timber harvest goals. Also, setting aside lands, including habitat-rich older forests, solely for timber harvest would not provide a sustainable solution to O&C county problems, would undoubtedly increase conflict, and would set a damaging precedent for the management of federal public lands.

“This doesn’t have to be the case. We are eager to work with the Senator to achieve a better outcome that meets the needs of stakeholders while protecting our forests and endangered wildlife through a public process grounded in science.”

Press Contact: Courtney Sexton, 202-772-0253, csexton@defenders.org

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