The Board of Forestry will meet on January 6 and 7 in Salem. Once again, the Tillamook and Clatsop State Forests are a key part of the agenda.
In June of 2009, the Board decided to increase harvest and weaken protections for fish and wildlife. The Board moved to an approach that would devote 70% of the forest to clearcut harvest.
Several board members expressed concerns that the major changes in the plan merited an independent scientific review, and while there was no review ordered, there was have been some signs that some sort of review might be undertaken.
At the January 6 meeting, the Board will have a chance to begin such a review, as the Department of Forestry has been in contact with the IMST a scientific review. More information should be provided at the January meeting.
The Board will also have a chance to revisit the targets for timber production and older forest in January, and not surprisingly the agency has recommended that the Board keep a low target for older forest.
