State outlines budget, research and permit timeline to activate Elliott State Research Forest

The Oregon Department of State Lands (DSL) told the Legislature—s Natural Resources Subcommittee on April 22 that it is seeking funding and partnerships to begin active operations on the Elliott State Research Forest and that key federal permits under the Endangered Species Act remain a near-term contingency.

"The Elliott State Research Forest is envisioned as a nationally important center for forest science and management," said Chris Castelli, deputy director of DSL's land management division, in opening remarks to Co Chair Frederick, Co Chair Levy and committee members. He described a governor's budget package that combines a $10 million base request and a $2.1 million federal carryover for Shutter Creek headquarters work, for a total of $12.1 million for the 2025–27 biennium.

The money would fund staff and contracts and be distributed across five service areas, Castelli said: roughly $4.2 million for economic and community benefits (including timber harvest contracting, habitat restoration and road maintenance), $2.2 million for research and partnerships, $1.3 million for conservation (including monitoring to meet a habitat conservation plan), $150,000 for education and recreation planning, and $2 million for governance and administration. DSL has hired five staff so far and expects a team of nine.

Why it matters: DSL intends the Elliott to generate multiple revenue streams and public benefits—timber sales, a voluntary carbon project, grants and private giving—while supporting research, education, recreation and tribal and…