Oregon Approves Forest Management Plan for 620,000 Acres — Concerns Remain

Oregon Approves Forest Management Plan for 620,000 Acres — Concerns Remain

The Oregon Board of Forestry has approved a new Forest Management Plan (FMP) for 620,000 acres of state-owned forests by a 5–2 vote. The plan represents years of work and is intended to increase conservation protections while reducing clear-cutting on Oregon’s western state forests.

However, important questions remain about whether and when the plan can fully take effect.

The new Forest Management Plan is closely connected to a Habitat Conservation Plan (HCP), which is designed to protect threatened and endangered species and their habitats. In exchange for these protections, federal agencies may issue Incidental Take Permits (ITPs), which allow certain impacts to protected species or habitat under carefully regulated conditions.

The future of these permits is now uncertain. Implementation of the new forest plan depends on receiving federal approvals for protections involving species such as spotted owls, marbled murrelets, and salmon.

The Board directed the State Forester to continue using the current plan until the federal permits are issued. The new plan is not expected to begin implementation until after June 30, 2027, and only after additional requirements — including performance measures and federal approvals — are met.

Conservation advocates are concerned that changes in federal policy could weaken endangered species protections and affect whether habitat conservation agreements move forward. A central question is how habitat loss is considered: if destruction or removal of habitat contributes to the decline of endangered species, how should that impact be addressed?

The coming year will be an important period for Oregon’s forests. Supporters of stronger protections say continued attention and public engagement will be needed to ensure that conservation commitments are carried through.

Learn More:

Two recent reports provide additional background on the Board of Forestry’s decision:

• Oregon’s western state forests will see more conservation, less clear-cutting under new plan — Oregon Capital Chronicle

• Oregon forges ahead with endangered species protections, despite federal changes — OPB

• For updates and ways to support forest protection efforts, visit the Coast Range Association action page.