Gov. Brown outlines progress, goals of timber-conservation negotiations
SALEM, Ore. (KTVZ) — Gov. Kate Brown kicked off the first in a series of negotiation sessions this month as part of a groundbreaking agreement between forestry representatives, conservation leaders and fishing organizations that aims to propose new protections for sensitive aquatic species on over 10 million acres of private forestland in Oregon, which could be formalized in a statewide Habitat Conservation Plan.
“In the past year –– despite the disruptions of a global pandemic and historic wildfire devastation which made face-to-face meetings very difficult –– this group has made steady progress in establishing common ground,” Brown said. “Together, we can build a future for Oregon with healthy forests, fish, and wildlife and economic growth for our forest industry and rural communities at the same time.”