Commissioners oppose proposed Habitat Conservation Plan
ALBANY — Linn County Commissioners Roger Nyquist, Sherrie Sprenger and Will Tucker agreed Tuesday morning to send a letter to the Oregon Board of Forestry, expressing their concerns with a proposed Habitat Conservation Plan that would be a major segment of how state lands are managed in coming decades.
Drafted by Commissioner Tucker, the letter notes the proposed plan would, “significantly reduce the volume of timber harvested on state lands, which will result in a reduction in jobs and timber harvest revenue in our community.”
The letter also points out that in the 1930s and 1940s, Oregon counties turned over nearly 700,000 acres of lands that would be aggregated into what is called the State Forest Lands, with the intent they would be managed for the “greatest permanent value” of those properties.
That meant sustainable timber sale programs.
“If implemented, this Habitat Conservation Plan will reduce log supply which jeopardizes entire communities and not just those which work directly in the forest sector,” Tucker noted in the letter. “The cost associated with public services, education, housing, etc., will most likely increase during the 70-year HCP permit period. Reducing revenue that supports these services will greatly impact our life and the ability to deliver services.”
The letter also notes:
- ODF used inaccurate numbers to project job losses in the Environmental Impact Statement. The ODF projects three job losses per million board feet not harvested, which private industry projects 11 to 12 jobs per million board feet.
- The Board of Forestry and Oregon Department of Forestry will be in direct conflict with the goal of managing the forest for the “greatest permanent value.”
- The Board of Forestry did not obtain input or approval from the Council of Forest Trust Land Counties.
- Wildfire is considered a “disturbance” in the Environmental Impact Statement, but wildfires are most severe in passively managed forests. Wildfires consume forests, kill wildlife, pollute the air and damage waterways.
- The population of the Northern Spotted Owl has continued to decline since the 1990s, even though government agencies have tried to recreate their preferred habitat. They are not able to compete with the more aggressive Barred Owl.
In other business, the commissioner:
- Approved a $30,000 payment to the Regional Accelerator & Innovation Network (RAIN), after considerable discussion about whether its outreach has a significant effect on helping new businesses be successful or established businesses grow. Commissioner Nyquist was concerned whether potential start-up businesses truly understand how difficult it is to create a small business in Oregon. Commissioners Sprenger and Tucker agreed with that notion, but added the potential to create local jobs, especially in rural communities, outweighs some of the risk involved with funding their efforts.
- Were informed by Planning & Building Director Steve Wills that there were 62 land use permits and 261 total permits issued in March. There were permits for eight single-family dwelling and one manufactured dwelling. There were seven permits issued within contract cities.
- Were told by Accounting Officer Bill Palmer that department heads and elected officials have been diligent in watching spending, even though the county had a significant carryover of funds due to Covid 19 payments. He said fund balances are “in very good shape.” Although the county is at 75% of the fiscal year, only 62% of the General Fund has been expended; 36% of the Road Fund; 57% of the Law Enforcement Levy; and 47% of the Health Fund. Personal Services is at 67%, materials and supplies, 37% and capital outlay, almost 31%. As the county begins budget hearings in early May for the 2023-24 Fiscal Year, the board agreed the county is in a “glide pattern” as it develops budgets that are being weaned off the state and federal COVID-19 monies.
Media contact: Alex Paul, Linn County Communications Officer, 541-967-3825 or email apaul@co.linn.or.us.
