Tens of thousands of rural residents on Oregon live near Bureau of Land Management (BLM) property. Approximately three million acres (nearly 4,700 square miles) of BLM land is found throughout 18 counties in western Oregon.
 
For the last decade, BLM lands have been managed under the Northwest Forest Plan for a variety of purposes including watershed protection, wildlife habitat, recreational activities and timber production. Nearby landowners and residents often rely on BLM lands for their water supply, use them for recreational purposes, or simply enjoy the view.
 
The BLM’s plan to alter management may facilitate a return to unsustainable logging by removing protections for old-growth forests and streamside corridors that have been in place for over a decade. The elimination of forest, stream, soil and wildlife protection could diminish enjoyment of private property and the value of the property itself.
 
In 2003, the timber industry and the U.S. Justice Department agreed—in a “backroom” settlement—that BLM would consider undoing the Northwest Forest Plan and return to timber extraction as the dominant use of BLM forests.  The days of noisy logging operations, an endless stream of log trucks and countless watersheds clearcut may return. Such operations also increase the likelihood of landslides and stream pollution, which could negatively impact property owners downstream and downhill.
 
Ecologically sustainable forestry makes sense. Thinning projects and other forest management activities that reduce the threat of forest fire to homes and property should be the focus of the BLM.  It is important that neighboring landowners and citizens, who rely on BLM public lands, make their voices are heard by the federal government.

If you are concerned about the impacts this increased BLM logging would have on your property values, your watershed, your view or your recreation, you should let BLM know how you feel. The agency is now beginning its management plan revision and needs to hear from you today.

Click here to send the BLM a message asking for strong environmental protections on BLM land.