Tell the Board of Forestry: Don’t Leave Oregon’s Rural Communities Behind

The Oregon Board of Forestry is in the process of setting the timber harvest levels for state forests — a decision that directly affects jobs, small businesses and county budgets across western Oregon.

Oregon’s economy is already struggling, and our rural communities are being hit hardest. County governments are cutting services; local businesses are tightening their belts and families are doing more with less.

State forests can sustain themselves and provide stable revenue through responsible timber harvests. But the Board is considering restricting harvests even further — a move that would deepen the economic pain without providing any additional conservation benefit.

Tell the Board: Oregon can’t afford to leave money on the table. This should be an easy decision. Tell the Board to support local economies, county budgets and Oregon families.

Your voice matters. Send your message today!

Dear [Board of Forestry Member],

Thank you for the opportunity to comment on the upcoming decision regarding timber harvest levels for state forests.

I urge the Board to select the highest harvest level available within the Department of Forestry’s proposed range. Choosing the highest end of that range aligns with historical averages and is essential to maintaining the financial health of both the Department and the counties that depend on timber revenues.

Higher harvest levels will not compromise the conservation goals already achieved under the HCP. In fact, responsible harvest and active forest management strengthen forest health, reduce disease and wildfire risk and support restoration activities — all while sustaining Oregon’s rural economies.

Selecting the lower range would deepen existing budget shortfalls, jeopardize local services and force the Department to ask for more General Fund dollars at a time when overall budgets are already strained.

For the sake of balanced management, fiscal responsibility and the long-term vitality of Oregon’s forests and communities, please select the highest sustainable harvest level and ensure that those targets are met in practice.

Thank you for your time and consideration.

Sincerely,
______

First Name

Last Name

Phone

Address

Zip