Coos County votes to pursue federal move to shift Wagon Road land management to Coquille Tribe

Coos County commissioners voted to direct the county counsel to work with U.S. Rep. Val Hoyle on draft federal legislation and to develop a contract with the Coquille Indian Tribe that would protect the county’s interests as a statutory beneficiary if the management of the Coos Bay Wagon Road lands moves from the Bureau of Land Management to the Bureau of Indian Affairs.

Commissioners and staff said the proposal could substantially increase county revenue. As presented, the tribe proposed a 50% share of net harvest revenue; county staff estimated revenue under the new formula could be at least three times the county’s current payments in lieu of taxes. "We're going from payment in lieu of taxes, which at most is 300,000 to a 50% split of the revenue from the timber harvest," a county staff member said. The staff presentation stressed the transfer would require congressional approval, a new management plan and a negotiated contract.

Supporters and opponents in public comment framed the issue around local jobs and control. Rob Taylor, a Bandon resident, urged commissioners to move forward: "Policy has changed … let's cut some freaking trees down," he said. Some longtime timber owners and other commenters urged caution, asking that previously held ballots and public votes be respected; Bill Thompson said earlier referendum results should be reconsidered before final action. Commissioners also discussed how the arrangement could help offset declines in county forest revenue from sustained‑yield constraints and longer rotations that reduce per‑acre volumes.

Commissioners emphasized this is an early, negotiable step, not an immediate transfer of title. The board's motion directs counsel to work with Rep. Hoyle on draft legislation and to develop a contract with the tribe that protects the county’s statutory interests. The motion carried after a roll call vote.

Next steps include drafting legislative language, further legal review and future public updates as negotiations and any congressional process move forward.