Stop Timber from Gutting the State Forest Habitat Conservation Plan

The timber industry is pressuring the Governor’s Office and legislators to do away with the State Forest Habitat Conservation Plan (HCP) and ramp up clear cuts on our state forests.

The Department of Forestry has worked with the public and federal partners for several years to develop a balanced approach to a Habitat Conservation Plan that protects fish and wildlife habitat and clean water on state forests while ensuring timber harvest and funding for rural services. This plan would comply with the requirements of the Endangered Species Act helping better protect species like the Spotted Owl and Marbled Murrelet, ensure a steady supply of timber, and avoid future litigation that could lock up the forest.

Unfortunately, the timber industry is trying to derail this balanced approach and stop the Habitat Conservation Plan. Please oppose bills including SB 795,HB 3283, and HB 3585 that would give away our state forests, interfere in a public process to update forest management plans, and increase clearcutting in critical fish and wildlife habitat.

A Northern Spotted Owl perches on a mossy branch, while looking up towards the upper tree canopy.
Northern Spotted Owl by Scott Carpenter

Take Action

Using the sample letter below, please email both Governor Kotek’s Natural Resources Advisor and your State Representative and Senator:

Governor Kotek’s Natural Resources Advisor: geoff.huntington@oregon.gov and your State Representative and Senator.

Sample Email

Example subject line: Please support state forest protections!

Dear Governor Kotek and [elected official],

I am writing to you to urge you to support a State Forest Habitat Conservation Plan for Oregon’s state forests, and to oppose bills that undermine this plan and hand over state forests to the counties. We have a once in a lifetime opportunity to finalize a plan that balances both conservation and reasonable timber harvest, protects our public lands, and expands opportunities for our growing outdoor recreation economy. 

As one of your constituents, wildlife habitat that supports endangered birds like the Marbled Murrelet, and clean water in Oregon state forests are values that are very important to me. For several years, the Department of Forestry has worked with the public and federal partners to develop a balanced approach to a Habitat Conservation Plan that protects fish and wildlife habitat and clean water on state forests while ensuring timber harvest and funding for rural services. This plan would comply with the requirements of the Endangered Species Act, ensure a steady supply of timber, and avoid future litigation that could lock up the forest. I support this plan and urge you to stand with your constituents in support of a strong Habitat Conservation Plan. 

Unfortunately, the timber industry is trying to derail this balanced approach and stop the Habitat Conservation Plan. Please oppose bills, such as SB 795, HB 3283, and HB 3585 that would give away our state forests, interfere in a public process to update forest management plans, and increase clearcutting in critical fish and wildlife habitat. These efforts are misguided and would further endanger salmon, wildlife, and clean water in our forests. 

Please support a strong Habitat Conservation Plan that balances salmon, wildlife, and clean water with timber harvest on our state forests. I urge you to tell the Board of Forestry that you support moving ahead with the plan without delays.

Thank you for supporting clean water, wildlife habitat, and healthy salmon runs.