Urge Oregon Department of Forestry to Stop Clearcutting Mature State Forests!
The Oregon Department of Forestry manages over 600,000 acres of public temperate rainforest, including the Tillamook and Clatsop State Forests on the North Coast. Historically, these forests provided ample habitat for northern spotted owls and marbled murrelets and supported huge salmon runs. However, after decades of large-scale clearcuts and aggressive harvest, 17 species – including the coastal marten, red tree vole, northern spotted owl, marbled murrelets, and ten fish species – have been pushed to the brink of local extinction. Despite this, the Oregon Department of Forestry (ODF) continues to clearcut mature (80 years and older), structurally complex forest stands that are the type of habitat these species need to survive and recover. These older forests not only provide important habitat but also filter drinking water, absorb climate pollution, and offer countless recreation opportunities to Oregonians and visitors.
We need your help to urge ODF to adopt a new Forest Management Plan that protects older forests and the imperiled wildlife and fish that call them home. From now until January 31, 2026, you have an opportunity to provide feedback on the agency’s draft Forest Management Plan. This plan will guide state forest management in Western Oregon for at least the next decade.
Here’s how you can take action:
- Send a comment to ODF before 11:55 p.m., January 31st. Use our template to get started, but be sure to personalize your message for the greatest impact.
- Attend one of four hearings (one virtual, three in-person, all start at 5:30 p.m.) to share your thoughts directly with ODF.
- Jan 13 – Virtual hearing (click the link to register)
- Jan 15 – Forest Grove Community Center, 1915 Main St., Forest Grove
- Jan 20 – Tillamook ODF Office, 5005 3rd St., Tillamook
- Jan 22 – Lane Events Center, 796 W 13th Ave., Eugene
Fill out this form to let us know you’ll be there, and check out these talking points to help craft your brief comments. We expect testimony will be limited to 2-3 minutes.
Submit your comment today and join an upcoming hearing to demand a strong Forest Management Plan!
