EMAIL TWO SENTENCES, ENSURE TILLAMOOK FOREST ACCESS
Washington County has until Wednesday, January 25, to opt out of a $1.4-billion, class-action lawsuit against the Oregon Department of Forestry (ODF). County commissioners, split on the matter, need to hear from you— and banging out a quick email will do (how-to below).
RECREATION VERSUS MONEY
Underpinning the suit is how ODF manages state forests: maximum timber harvest versus “a full range of social, economic and environmental benefits” (taken from the 1998 legislation that directs our forest management practices). The dollar amount reflects revenue believed lost through allegedly insufficient logging.
County commissioners never voted to be included in the suit, and opting out, which does not impact timber revenue sharing under the current management plan, is seen to undermine the suit’s legitimacy. Clatsop County, the largest timber revenue recipient, has already opted out. Need more? Here’s a good summary.
SPEAK UP
If you value recreation in Tillamook State Forest — mountain biking as well as camping, fishing, and hiking — drop a note to your commissioner. Share something about you, your values, and whether you want Washington County to opt out.
Here’s how:
1. Determine your commissioner
2. Email your commissioner
3. Feel good