FORESTRY DEPARTMENT TO HOLD LAND EXCHANGE HEARING MAY 3 IN ASTORIA

A public hearing is scheduled May 3 in Astoria to consider a proposed Oregon Department of Forestry land exchange that would consolidate state forest lands and improve public access.

The hearing will be held at the Judge Guy Boyington Building, 857 Commercial Street, from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m.

The proposed exchange involves 805 acres of state-owned land and 720 acres owned, or being acquired by, the City of Cannon Beach. The land values, including harvestable timber, are approximately equal, according to an independent appraisal. Third-party assessments also were conducted for sensitive plant, fish and wildlife habitat. ODF completed an assessment of recreational values.

Maps and details about the parcels are available at: http://egov.oregon.gov/ODF/STATE_FORESTS/cannonbeachexchange.shtml. Copies of the documents may be obtained from ODF's Patty Cate, (503) 945-7350 or pcate@odf.state.or.us.

A public comment period runs through June 4. Written comments, which must be received by 5 p.m. on that date, should be sent to Patty Cate. Oregon Department of Forestry, 2600 State St., Salem, OR 97310, or by e-mail at pcate@odf.state.or.us.

The hearings officer will issue a report after the hearing and comment period. Clatsop County commissioners are expected to hold a meeting later this spring or summer to consider the exchange. If the county commission gives its approval, the exchange moves to the Board of Forestry for consideration.