HomeMy WebLinkAbout2008-11 Opposing Western Oregon Plan Revision
RESOLUTION NO. ~~ - \ \
A RESOLUTION OPPOSING THE BUREAU OF LAND MANAGEMENT'S
PROPOSED WESTERN OREGON PLAN REVISION
RECITALS:
1) The 2.5 million acres of federal forests administered mainly by the Bureau of Land
Management (BLM) in western Oregon are currently managed under the 1994
Northwest Forest Plan. These forests provide recreational opportunities, generate
employment in the wood products industry, safeguard drinking water sources for
Ashland and other communities, offer habitat for a myriad of species, provide
carbon storage for a livable climate, and allow for a quality of life that attracts new
businesses and skilled workers.
2) The City Council believes that the federal forests in western Oregon should be
managed for the greatest good for the greatest number of people over the longest
time.
3) For decades before the Northwest Forest Plan, the BLM had clear-cut older forests
and built extensive logging road systems in these public lands of western Oregon,
degrading recreational opportunities, water quality and fish and wildlife habitat.
4) For more than a decade, county revenue has been decoupled from timber sale
receipts and instead Congress has appropriated payments.
5) It is in the public interest to protect remaining older forests and restore degraded
lands to enhance water quality, restore habitat, store carbon, and generate new
economic opportunities.
6) Two-and-one-half million acres of BLM forestlands are currently the subject of a
proposed management revision based on an out-of-court settlement agreement
between the timber industry and the Bush administration called the Western
Oregon Plan Revision (WOPR).
7) The WOPR's preferred alternative (Alternative 2) would divorce BLM from the
conservation strategy of the Northwest Forest Plan, reduce protection for wildlife
and streamline reserves, increase old-growth clear-cutting by 700%, and build
1,000 miles of new logging road over the plan's first 10 years.
8) This proposal is not in the interests of Ashland residents, and in order to preserve
and enhance their quality of life, the City Council desires to take steps necessary to
protect remaining older forests on public lands in western Oregon.
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THE CITY OF ASHLAND RESOLVES AS FOllOWS
SECTION 1. The City Council requests that the BlM reject the action alternatives
proposed in the WOPR and work within the Northwest Forest Plan to protect mature
and old-growth forests on federal lands in western Oregon. As used in this resolution
"old growth forests" are defined as forest stands at least 180 years old. "Mature forests
are those stands between 80-180 years of age (as per the Northwest Forest Plan)."
SECTION 2. The Council urges Congress to pass legislation that:
a) Provides stable county payments based on ecosystem services such as clean
water and air, recreational opportunities, carbon storage, and habitat
conservation; and
b) Protects mature and old-growth forests on federal lands in Oregon, including
BlM lands; and
c) Advances restoration-driven forestry projects on degraded landscapes in
Oregon.
SECTION 3. This resolution shall take effect upon signing by the Mayor.
lution duly PASSED and ADOPTED this ? day of ~. 2008.
arbara Christensen, City Recorder
SIGNED and APPROVED this '7
,2008.
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Reviewed as to form:
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