FORESTRY BOARD TO MEET ON STATE FOREST MANAGEMENT PROPOSAL APRIL 13

The Board of Forestry will hold a special meeting on April 13 to discuss a legislative bill that would require Oregon's state forests to be managed primarily for timber production and generation of revenue to counties.

House Bill 2001 would change the statutory definition of Greatest Permanent Value, the concept that provides direction to the board and state Department of Forestry in managing state forests. In its current form, the law directs the board and the Oregon Department of Forestry to manage the state forestlands for a full range of social, economic and environmental benefits, with no single set of benefits having priority over the others.

At the meeting, the board will consider whether to adopt a position on the bill.

The meeting is scheduled for 1:15 p.m. on Wednesday at Oregon Department of Forestry headquarters, Building C - Tillamook Room, 2600 State St., in Salem. The meeting will be conducted by telephone conference.

The meeting is open to the public, with the Tillamook Room designated as the listening site. The agenda includes a public comment period.

Accommodations for people with disabilities, and special materials, services or assistance can be arranged by calling the department's Agency Affairs Office prior to the meeting, 503-945-7200, text telephone 503-945-7213.