County must speak up for state forests

County commissioners should protest efforts to weaken environmental protections

By Bob Van Dyk

, Nov 5, 2008, Updated Oct 30, 2009

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Our Washington County commissioners understand the importance of recreation and water quality in the county.

In their capacities as directors of Clean Water Services, for example, the county commissioners have led stream bank restoration from Banks to Tigard. The expansion of Hagg Lake south of Forest Grove, a regional water supply, remains a priority for them.

And the 1,650-acre Stub Stewart State Park, nestled in the foothills of the Coast Range near the edge of the Clatsop State Forest, is a triumph for Washington County, and especially for County Chair Tom Brian, who worked for years to make it a reality.

However, logging on the Tillamook State Forest hasn't drawn the attention of our county commissioners. Their voices are particularly important now, because major increases in logging on state forest lands in Washington County are currently being considered by the State of Oregon.

Under pressure from Tillamook and Clatsop County commissioners, the Oregon Board of Forestry is poised to significantly increase clear-cutting on the state forests, including those in Washington County.

This week the Board of Forestry will meet in Salem to consider weakening the environmental commitments in the current state forest plan. County commissioners from our neighboring rural counties will be at the Nov. 6 hearing, pushing for more clear-cutting. Our Washington County commissioners need to be there, too.

Protecting our assets

The state forests of Washington County are a terrific asset for county residents. Almost 50,000 acres of the Tillamook State Forest blanket the Coast Range of Washington County, providing a wide variety of benefits to our half-million residents.

The state forests along Gales Creek and the upper Nehalem River provide nearby recreation opportunities to hikers, bikers, horseback riders, and off-highway vehicle enthusiasts.

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