[ODF_Private_Forests] Governor statement on WOPR Reversal by Interior

[WEEKS Kevin]

Private Forests News members:
Here is Governor Kulongoski's statement regarding the Interior Dept announcement Thursday to not implement forest legislation enacted by the Bush administration, including WOPR.

FYI -
Kevin Weeks
Oregon Department of Forestry

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Statement by Governor Kulongoski on Western Oregon Plan Revisions Reversal

Obama Administration reverses Bush approval of the WOPR, will address governor’s concerns of endangered species and climate change

 (Salem) – “I applaud Secretary Salazar’s decision today to withdraw the Bush Administration’s decision to implement the Western Oregon Plan Revisions (WOPR).

 “My concerns with the WOPR relating to endangered species, protection of wilderness areas and the lack of clear forest management strategies t h at fight global warming went unaddressed by the previous administration.

 “Today’s decision by the Obama Administration means that instead of years of litigation that only fuel conflict with the timber industry and environmental interests, we can go back to the plan, address the outstanding concerns, and develop a fair, balanced and effective forest management plan that protects the economic, social and environmental values of these forest lands and the communities that depend on them – and can gain the support of all Oregonians. 

 “I have offered my commitment to assist in completing the plan to the Secretary personally and have stressed to him that it is imperative we continue to work together to secure the adoption and implementation of a final management plan for the Oregon & California (O&C) lands that can be implemented free of legal challenges to assure healthy forests, sustainable harvests and rural economic stability. 

 “Much good work has gone into the plan already and the revisions the Secretary has ordered will go a long way to achieve our collective goal of a healthy forest and a healthy economy.”