I am writing in regards to the recent decision to privatize Elliott State Forest. The Elliott State Forest is located within the southern Oregon Coastal Range, and includes 82,500 acres of forestland. This state-owned forest was created in 1930 in hopes that the forest would be able to provide long-term funding for Oregon’s public schools, and has allowed thousands of people the pleasure of indulging (opportunity to indulge) in the vast beauty that our forests and waterways are able to (can) offer. In addition to this, the Elliott State Forest has added to the health, community, recreation, as well as economic value of our state.
Up until a couple years ago, the Elliott has generated millions of dollars from harvesting a small percentage of the forest each year. Although due to of harvest limitations, the continued ownership of the Elliott has cost our schools upwards of 4 million dollars. Unfortunately, this number is only expected to increase as harvest restrictions such as the protection of wildlife, establishment of ample stream buffers for fish, and the preservation of older (old growth trees) continues to be implemented. Inevitably, this has put the Oregon State Land Board in a very difficult position regarding the fate of the Elliott State Forest. …show more content…
The Elliot State Forest has proven to be a critical wildlife and salmon habitat, with our coastal salmon runs being very dependent of the public land. Since Oregonians have an incredibly rich history of coming together to solve difficult decisions regarding our natural resources, I urge you to rethink the privatization of the Elliot and make a decision that will create a sustainable and responsible future for the
Up until a couple years ago, the Elliott has generated millions of dollars from harvesting a small percentage of the forest each year. Although due to of harvest limitations, the continued ownership of the Elliott has cost our schools upwards of 4 million dollars. Unfortunately, this number is only expected to increase as harvest restrictions such as the protection of wildlife, establishment of ample stream buffers for fish, and the preservation of older (old growth trees) continues to be implemented. Inevitably, this has put the Oregon State Land Board in a very difficult position regarding the fate of the Elliott State Forest. …show more content…
The Elliot State Forest has proven to be a critical wildlife and salmon habitat, with our coastal salmon runs being very dependent of the public land. Since Oregonians have an incredibly rich history of coming together to solve difficult decisions regarding our natural resources, I urge you to rethink the privatization of the Elliot and make a decision that will create a sustainable and responsible future for the