BLM’s proposed Management Plan

On February 19, BLM published new Resource Management Plans for its Western Oregon lands. The new plan quadruples current timber production. To meet this goal, the federal agency will ignore wildlife and old-growth protections that resulted from decades of local input and negotiation. For example, the new plan eliminates the stream buffer compromise worked out under the Private Forest Accord, the importance of which is seen at places like Carcus Creek. The plan may open up the Valley of the Giants, the Sandy River corridor, the North Fork Clackamas, the Upper Molalla River, and more to clear-cutting. The Columbia County Spotlight describes further concerns. If the Bureau adopts its proposed target, it cannot implement balanced, sustainable land use.

There will be no public meetings. However, they are asking for public comments to be submitted on the proposal, which we would encourage any interested persons to make. The window for public comments closes on March 23, 2026.

Here is how you can make your comment

• Online: ePlanning project page — click “Participate Now”
• Email: BLM_OR_Revision_Scoping@blm.gov
• Mail: Bureau of Land Management Oregon/Washington State Office, 1220 SW 3rd Avenue, Portland, OR 97204, Attn: Elizabeth Burghard, RMP Revision

Further information, including specific suggestions about comments, can be found here. The article points out that the proposal will almost certainly end up in court, and public comments can make a real difference.