Issue Position: Stop Clearcutting in State Forests

Issue Position

Elliot State Forest is a 93,000 acre state owned forest on the Southern Oregon coast. In her role as a member of the Oregon Land Board, Kate Brown voted to increase logging and clearcutting on the forest by 65% over previous levels.

This decision was made over the objection of environmental groups, who believe the increased logging will harm watersheds, and threatens wildlife such as the Northern Spotted Owl and Coho salmon runs.

In the modern world, clearcutting of public lands is not in the best interest of the citizens of Oregon. The logging provides only a tiny stream of revenue compared to the state's overall budget. Oregon should take the lead in preserving our remaining forests, and managing them for other values, such as recreation, the clean water than comes from unlogged watersheds, and the lifestyle value placed on wild areas that makes Oregon an attractive place for visitors and business. We will not enhance our state's livability by bolstering extractive industry.

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