[ODF_Private_Forests] ODF opens public comment period on Elkton Reserve LLC Safe Harbor Agreement

[WEEKS Kevin]

OREGON DEPARTMENT OF FORESTRY

REQUEST FOR COMMENTS



PROPOSED STEWARDSHIP AGREEMENT FOR ELKTON RESERVE LLC PROPERTY



DOUGLAS COUNTY, OREGON



Published in the Roseburg News-Review

PUBLISHING DATE: May 10, 2012



COMMENTS DUE: May 31, 2012 by 5:00 p.m.



PROJECT LOCATION:  2.5 miles SE of Elkton, Oregon



PROPOSAL: Pursuant to Oregon Revised Statute (ORS) 527.423, the Oregon Department of Forestry (ODF) is proposing to adopt a Stewardship Agreement for the Elkton Reserve LLC forest property. The Stewardship Agreement shall serve as Certificate of Inclusion in the Programmatic Safe Harbor Agreement for Northern Spotted Owl habitat.



HIGHLIGHTS: This Stewardship Agreement is intended to permit Elkton Reserve LLC to operate three land tracts totaling 273 acres (approx. 265 acres in forest) under habitat conservation goals identified in the landowner's forest management plan. This Stewardship Agreement provides the opportunity for the landowner to participate in the Programmatic Safe Harbor Agreement for Northern Spotted Owl habitat authorized by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS). Approval of the Agreement further allows the landowner to participate in the NRCS Healthy Forests Reserve Program. ODF agrees to audit forest operations conducted by the landowners for compliance with Oregon Forest Practices Act standards every three years.



HOW TO COMMENT: The project file may be reviewed by appointment at ODF's Western Lane District office. To schedule an appointment to review the file, please contact:



Oregon Department of Forestry, Western Lane District

87950 Territorial Highway

Veneta, Oregon 97487

(541) 935-2283



Written comments on the proposal should be received by May 31, 2012 and sent to Paul Clements, ODF Western Lane District at the address provided above.



THE NEXT STEP: ODF will consider all public comments received within the public comment period before making a final decision regarding approval of the draft Stewardship Agreement.



/s/ Peter Daugherty, Chief of ODF Private Forests Division

Salem, Oregon

Additional information - including the draft agreement - is available on the ODF web site at:
http://www.oregon.gov/ODF/AGENCY_AFFAIRS/elktonreservesha.shtml<http://egov.oregon.gov/ODF/AGENCY_AFFAIRS/elktonreservesha.shtml>

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Kevin Weeks

Public Information Officer

Oregon Department of Forestry

Public Affairs Office

(503) 945-7427

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