State Forest Implementation and Annual Operations Plans - Comment Period

As some of you know, the Oregon Department of Forestry(ODF) has released draft versions of the Implementation Plans (IP) and Annual Operation Plans (AOP) for the Clatsop and Tillamook Forests. Ryan, Wayne, the Westside Trail Federation (W.T.F.) crew, and myself have been very vocal over the years with ODF about their lack of attention to the needs of non-motorized users. Now that the economy has slowed and the price of lumber is low, the problem has been compounded. ODF has adopted a stance of only maintaining the existing trail network with no new trails to be constructed with no definitive plan for the future.

ODF has gone through significant layoffs and budget cuts over the last two years. Unfortunately for recreation interests, many of the cuts came from recreation staff.

ODF is supposed to follow the Greatest Permanent Value(GPV) rule which essentially states that they manage the forest for the highest and best use. The uses fall into three categories: Social (Recreation), Economic (logging), and Environmental (habitat, clean air and water, etc.). Many have been critical of ODF for really only managing the forest for the economic aspect while ignoring the social and environmental.

OSU's Institute for Natural Resources conducted a review of the new Forest Management Plan and concluded that ODF has not used the best science to support their increase in logging and resulting clear cutting. A brief article appeared on the front page of the Metro section of the Oregonian today summarizing OSU's review and ODF's response to the criticism.

http://www.oregonlive.com/environment/index.ssf/2011/04/oregon_department_of_forestrys.html

I can say that ODF has a tough job. They are caught between a number of interests. The largest interest comes from the counties. The counties are pushing ODF harder than ever to harvest more timber to replace lost tax revenue and federal support. I completely understand the position of the counties, but at some point harvest levels become unsustainable and revenue for future generations is jeopardized.

Click Read More for ACTION ALERT... to help give voice to need for recreation opportunities for mountain biking in State managed forests!

Well, time to get to the original point. The Annual Operations and Implementation Plans are currently out for public comment. Please take a brief amount of time to email in your comments.

http://www.oregon.gov/ODF/STATE_FORESTS/2012_AOP_Draft.shtml

http://www.oregon.gov/ODF/STATE_FORESTS/IP/District_Implementation_Plan_Revisions_2011.shtml

One of the key items that is missing from the Tillamook District plans is the Recreation Master Plan. I was told by ODF staff that the Recreation Master Plan was supposed to be incorporated into the plans. Why do we need the Recreation Master Plan? Well, ODF has halted previously approved trail construction of downhill specific trails stating that they (ODF staff) want to evaluate how the trails fit into the overall trail network and transportation system on the forest before green lighting construction. Additionally, the Recreation Master Plan could impact planned expansion of the XC network on the Wilson River and Reehers Camp.

What else would we, as mountain bikers like from ODF?

Equity between motorized and non-motorized users. Non-motorized users purchase permits and ODF receives the taxes paid on fuel for off-road vehicles to support dedicated staff, trail maintenance, and construction.

At least two dedicated areas to downhill mountain biking. One of the largest issues that ODF has raised is with shuttlers driving on roads where logging operations are occurring. Our stance is that if we have more than one area to ride then the area impacted by logging can be closed while logging operations are occurring. When logging is complete, then the trails can go back into use.

The small number of trails open for riding in the Tillamook Forest means that the existing trail system is getting over used. Anyone remember what riding the Brown's Camp-HHT loop use to be like?

Email your comments to Rod Nichols at rnichols@odf.state.or.us.

Please take a brief amount of time to email in comments. The Tillamook Forest is one of the closest available areas to the Portland metro area.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me at fred@nw-trail.org.

Thanks,

Fred

State Forest Advisory Committee Representative