Final reminder: Western Oregon State Forests Management Plan and Habitat Conservation Plan update meeting tomorrow

SALEM, Ore. — The Oregon Department of Forestry will hold a virtual meeting tomorrow, Feb. 7, to learn about forest management planning for state forestlands west of the Cascades.

This meeting is open to the public and primarily intended for those with an interest in management of Oregon’s state forests. RSVP is requested.

This meeting will provide updates on the Forest Management Plan (FMP), the Western Oregon State Forests Habitat Conservation Plan (HCP), and the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) process focused on that HCP.

 Meeting Documents: The meeting agenda and materials are posted on the FMP project website.

• Draft Management Approach
• Draft Guidelines

 Date and Time: Tuesday, February 7 from 1-4 pm. The meeting will include:

• 1 – 3 p.m.: Background information, process updates, presentations, and an opportunity for Q&A/discussion.
• 3 – 4 p.m.: An informal discussion period to provide participants with an open discussion on any topics presented during the meeting.

Where: Virtual only by Zoom or call-in. We ask that you join the meeting a few minutes early to troubleshoot any issues and to ensure the meeting starts on time. View the meeting instructions, tips, and protocols.

• To view and participate in the meeting, go to: https://odf.zoom.us/j/94877694967
• Use computer audio or call-in from your phone using the following call-in information:
  • Dial: 1 (253) 215-8782
  • Meeting ID: 948 7769 4967

Meeting Recording: A post-meeting recording will be posted on the ODF YouTube channel.

Background:

State Forests are sustainably managed to provide social, economic, and environmental benefits to all Oregonians. In October of 2020, the Board of Forestry (BOF) directed the State Forests Division to begin the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) process for the draft Western Oregon State Forests Habitat Conservation Plan (HCP) and continue developing an associated Forest Management Plan (FMP). These parallel planning processes have been closely coordinated to ensure alignment and consistency in management goals, objectives, and strategies. ODF recognizes that public engagement is a key element in developing an HCP and FMP that reflect the values of all Oregonians and is committed to providing information and engaging in dialogue with those who have an interest in these important planning efforts.

Please note, the February 7 FMP HCP Meeting Open to the Public will provide updates on the Western State Forests FMP and HCP. This meeting is separate from the February 2 Implementation Plan Public Workshop which will provide an opportunity for the public to learn more about the Implementation Plan revisions for six state forest districts.

More information: More information is available by contacting the project leaders or online:

Western Oregon Forest Management Plan & Implementation Plans

Jennifer McAdoo

503-889-9115

[email protected]

Western Oregon Habitat Conservation Plan

Cindy Kolomechuk

503-945-7731

[email protected]

Online resources:

• Western Oregon State Forests Habitat Conservation Plan Website
• Western Oregon State Forest Management Plan Website
• Draft Management Approach
• Draft Guidelines
• Proposed Agenda