ODF details Private Forest Accord implementation, state‑forest revenues and invasive‑pest risks

Summary

In a March 11 briefing on Senate Bill 5521, ODF division chiefs described implementation of the Private Forest Accord, progress on the habitat conservation plan (HCP) and related funding, declining expected harvest volumes, the role of the Schroeder seed orchard, and concerns about invasive pests including sudden oak death and emerald ash borer.

At the March 11 informational hearing on Senate Bill 5521, Josh Bernard, Forest Resources Division Chief, and Michael Wilson, State Forest Division Chief, reviewed program work tied to the Private Forest Accord, state forest revenues, and forest health risks.

Bernard summarized core Division work — compliance with the Oregon Forest Practices Act, monitoring forest health, leveraging federal funds, and expanding urban and community forestry. He said the agency is implementing the Private Forest Accord (passed into law in 2022) including rule changes, adaptive management, and development of a private‑forest Habitat Conservation Plan (HCP).

Michael Wilson told the committee that Board of Forestry lands (roughly 730,000 acres) produce timber revenue used to operate the State Forest Division and that the division expects reduced harvest levels under the planned HCP and revised growth‑and‑yield estimates.

Why this matters

The HCP and updated forest inventory change projected harvest volume and therefore future revenues that support counties, schools and local services. Wilson said that under the planned HCP the division is planning offered harvest in the neighborhood of 185,000,000 board feet, a level…

ODF details Private Forest Accord implementation, state‑forest revenues and invasive‑pest risks

Summary

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