New Year, New Rules Underway for Oregon Forests

Obama administration looks to update National Forest laws written in 1982. Conservationists express hope that protections for wildlands, wildlife, & water will be strengthened

PORTLAND, Ore. - The national forests are being managed under rules made in 1982, and a lot has changed since then. They haven't been updated in almost 30 years, although the Bush administration tried - and ended up in court for its attempts to reduce protection for fish and wildlife. Now, a coalition made up of major conservation groups is pushing for stronger habitat protections.

Jane Danowitz, public lands program director for the Pew Environment Group, calls the rules a "blueprint" for how national forests should be managed.

"The rules should say that where activities such as logging should take place, it should be done in a sustainable manner, and where valuable fish and wildlife habitat should be protected, the government needs to be required to take steps to do so."

The national forests face multiple threats, from climate change to encroaching development. And a lot more people are using the forests: Recreation is a $14 billion business annually. While plenty of interests compete to use these public lands, Rob Klavins with Oregon Wild says the rule-making process should not have to end up in court again.

"If the Obama administration listens to the public and to us, telling them about the things we really value our national forests for, it need not be a controversial process. It should be one that can go well."

The groups have signed a letter to Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack and taken out full-page ads describing their "holiday wishes" for stronger rules and a commitment to scientific review in the new forest management policies. The first draft is expected as early as January for public comment.