Action Alert: Express Your Support for the Forest Management Plan!
Please contact the Oregon Department of Forestry (ODF) to express your support for the Forest Management Plan.
Photo by Steve Griffiths
Now through January 31, 2026, the ODF is taking comments on a proposed rule to adopt a new Western Oregon State Forest Management Plan, which includes a Habitat Conservation Plan (HCP) that will protect thousands of acres of key fish and wildlife habitat on Oregon’s North Coast. Michael Lang, Wild Salmon Center Senior Oregon Policy Manager, stated that with the HCP “[t]housands of Oregonians stood tall for state forests despite relentless pressure from the timber industry to reduce conservation areas and increase logging.”
Take Action
→Email the Oregon Board of Forestry at boardofforestry@odf.oregon.gov, urging them to approve by rule adoption of the Western Oregon State Forest Management Plan (FMP). Years of conservationists’ efforts and long negotiations went into this plan. The FMP balances economic, social, and environmental goals for the "greatest permanent value." The plan coordinates with the Habitat Conservation Plan (HCP) to ensure consistency in managing species like the Marbled Murrelet, Northern Spotted Owl, and others. A sample letter is provided below, or use these talking points to create your own letter.
→Give testimony at one of the public hearings to be held around the state in January. Let us know here if you would like to join us at the January 20, 2026, hearing in Tillamook to testify.
Sample letter
To the Oregon Board of Forestry,
I am writing to express my support for a stronger Western Oregon State Forest Management Plan. This plan must present a balanced and forward-thinking approach to managing our public forestlands based on the principles of Ecological Forest Management. It should thoughtfully integrate climate-smart forestry, habitat conservation, recreation opportunities, as well as sustainable timber harvest. State forests are required to be managed for the greatest permanent value for all Oregonians. We depend on and value our state forests to provide fish and wildlife habitat, clean cold water for fish, safe drinking water, and recreation.
I urge the Board to advance and adopt a strong plan by rule, ensuring that our state forests are managed responsibly for both current and future generations.
Thank you for your leadership and dedication to the stewardship of Oregon’s forests.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
You are also encouraged to send letters to the Governor's office and the Department of Forestry.
Governor's Office: https://www.oregon.gov/gov/pages/contact-us.aspx
Office of the Governor
900 Court Street, Suite 254
Salem, Oregon 97301
Oregon Department of Forestry: odf.stateforestmp@odf.oregon.gov
Oregon Department of Forestry
2600 State Street
Salem, OR 97310
