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Introduction for Sept. 29th Materials of 4

Forest Management Planning Alternatives:

DRAFT Options Package

Board of Forestry Subcommittee

September 29, 2014

BACKGROUND

The Oregon Board of Forestry concluded in 2012 that the current approach for managing state‐owned

forestlands was not financially viable. A Board of Forestry subcommittee was formed to address these

financial viability issues, and outcomes included directing the State Forests Division to examine

alternatives to the current Forest Management Plan (FMP) for Northwest Oregon. The Board further

directed the Financial Viability Subcommittee to refocus on the FMP Alternatives project with “twin

goals” to develop a new forest management plan that is both produces financially viable and improves

conservation outcomes in state forestlands.

Several items flowed from this charge, and include:

Financial Viability Subcommittee Workgroup and final report;

FMP Alternatives Board Subcommittee: established Policy Sideboards and Criteria for Success,

approved processes for stakeholder input, a building‐blocks process and potential components

of a forest management plan; report‐out at every Board of Forestry meeting;

Ongoing outreach and public involvement such as community roundtable events, the State

Forests Online Community, a comprehensive public survey coming in October, and a report

capturing these conversations and input (living document);

Alternative Sources of Revenue: Final Report;

Stakeholder Group Process: Several Alternatives to the Current FMP, Final Report from Meridian

Institute including Review by Forest Trust Lands Advisory Committee and State Forests Advisory

Committee;

External Science Panel: Final Science Assessment of Stakeholder Group Proposals;

ODF Project Team with members from Oregon Department of Forestry, US Fish and Wildlife

Service, ODFW, and National Marine Fisheries Service: ongoing feedback and review of

products, DRAFT Options, and future modeling and refinement;

These items have been packaged and synthesized to direct and help formulate two DRAFT Options for

Alternative Forest Management Plan Board Subcommittee consideration at their September 29th 2014

meeting (web links to final documents provided with meeting announcement materials).

DRAFT OPTIONS

Two DRAFT Options are intended to address the twin goals of financial viability and improved

conservation outcomes. These DRAFT Options include a Landscape Management Approach and a Land

Allocation Approach. Both are described in attached documents and briefly described below.

Landscape Management DRAFT Option: The Landscape Management approach builds upon structure‐

based management and conservation designations set forth in the current FMP and the “FMP 2.1”

stakeholder proposal. Forest biodiversity will be promoted through active and passive management,

Subcommittee on Alternative Forest Management Plans | September 29, 2014 AGENDA ITEM 8 Attachment 2 Page 1 of 35


including the development of a range of seral stages characterized as “Structure Types.” The structure

targets found in the current Northwest Oregon FMP (2010; Table 1) may require adjustment to meet

financial and conservation goals. A range of silvicultural prescriptions will be used to maximize volume

and value of products as well as habitat over the long‐term. Transitioning to the new plan will vary by

district.

Land Allocation DRAFT Option: The Land Allocation approach will be used to designate forestlands into

zones, primarily for timber harvest production and conservation. This Option builds upon the “70/30”

stakeholder proposal. While the lands will be allocated for the primary attainment of either

conservation or economic benefits, there will be conservation benefits within the production zone and

there will be active management in the conservation zone consistent with conservation goals. As with

the stakeholder proposal, this DRAFT Option presents only 2 management allocations. Additional

allocation zone types could be defined to provide for a range of production or conservation zones. This

DRAFT Option also describes a conservation measure to develop young complex forests on a small

subset of young stands in either the conservation or production zones.

Conservation Measures for Both Options: Currently one common set of overarching conservation

measures accompany each of the DRAFT Options. These measures include but are not limited to: pursue

a Habitat Conservation Plan, conservation of habitat for Northern Spotted Owls and Marbled murrelets,

stream buffers, wildlife trees, downed wood, snags, road influence on water quality and habitat, slope

stability, monitoring and research, and a conservation/recreation fund.

MEETING THE TWIN GOALS

Enhanced Financial Viability

Financial viability would be enhanced with the DRAFT Land Allocation Option by managing across district

boundaries, efficiencies gained through the explicit allocation of production zones, and the use of a

range of silvicultural approaches to maximize volume and value of products in that production zone.

Financial viability would be enhanced with the DRAFT Landscape Management Option by managing

across district boundaries, removal of complex structure targets from the Willamette Region districts,

and using a range of silvicultural approaches to maximize volume and value in areas that are not on a

path for complex structure.

Improved Conservation Outcomes

Improved conservation outcomes are similar for each of the two DRAFT Options. Improved conservation

associated with strategies applied in both DRAFT Options include a separation of retained green trees

from Riparian Management Areas which will increase the effectiveness of retained green trees and

foster a variety of leave tree patterns across harvest units; optimize terrestrial anchors with regard to

the number, size and spatial arrangement; wider no‐harvest riparian buffers and riparian harvest only to

improve riparian function; enhancement of complex early seral habitat (unique to DRAFT Land

Allocation Option), and improvements to road best‐management practices.

A potential conservation benefit unique to the DRAFT Land Allocation Option is the explicit and durable

allocation of conservation on at least 30% of the landscape. This differs from the DRAFT Landscape



Management Option that adopts a “floating reserve” (shifting mosaic) approach. An additional

conservation benefit associated with the DRAFT Landscape Management is the development of complex

structure over time and across the landscape.

Establishment of the State Forests Foundation Fund, common to both DRAFT Options, can enhance

environmental, economic and social benefits. The vision is to establish a fund which allows for the

Department to accept contributions (rather than funding through the Forest Development Fund) to be

used for conservation or recreation projects. It could also be used to enhance adaptive management

and monitoring of fish, wildlife, and water quality, as well as, increase the feasibility of ongoing research

on the effects of forest management on biodiversity.

SIMILARITIES AND DIFFERENCES BETWEEN OPTIONS

Similarities: As stated above, both DRAFT Options propose a common set of conservation measures

listed above. Also, in many instances, the DRAFT Options provide a “numeric range” or a proposal to

“evaluate” or “consider” revisions. The intention is to begin more detailed modeling on these topics

after receiving Subcommittee (September 29) and full Board direction (November 5th).

Differences: The DRAFT Options depart in the way they address upland management decisions. The

DRAFT Landscape Management Option is based on an integrated approach to harvest and conservation

in which both are being considered when making harvest decisions. These goals are integrated across

the landscape. Development of complex structure, which can shift over time and across the landscape, is

a key driver for conservation benefits at the landscape scale. This is contrasted with the DRAFT Land

Allocation Option which designates areas on the landscape that will be managed for either conservation

or wood production. Clearly, fish and wildlife needs are still considered in the production and addressed

primarily with the common set of conservation strategies described above. Another unique element of

the DRAFT Land Allocation Option is the creation of early seral complex habitat.

APPLYING STAKEHOLDER PROPOSALS AND PRODUCTS TO DRAFT OPTIONS

The Subcommittee of the Board, the Board of Forestry, and the Science Review Panel established that

no single proposal was likely to entirely meet the Board‐directed twin goals. Therefore, these DRAFT

Options drew from components of multiple Stakeholder Group Proposals, the Science Review process,

and internal and external outreach.

COMPLETING THE PACKAGE: FURTHER STRATEGIES

Several strategies are being pursued that are not proposed as part of the new Forest Management Plan

for Northwest Oregon. They are in varying stages of evaluation and implementation to further assist in

meeting the twin goals of attaining financial viability and improved conservation outcomes.

Improve business practices and functions through the development of a business plan and subsequent evaluation of key areas in the areas of business function financial metrics; evaluating marketing strategies, enhancing business processes, and continuing to seek out operational efficiencies. Areas of focus would include, but not limited to:



Development of business‐function financial metrics

Evaluate Marketing Strategies

Enhance business processes

Continue to seek out operational efficiencies

Continue to evaluate and seek out alternative revenue and funding options.

Policy Option Packages that offset operational cost for forest functions and services that benefit all Oregonians

Alternative revenue opportunities that monetize existing forest benefits

Explore ways to establish an experimental forest that focuses on advancing knowledge of forest management. Large‐scale adaptive management experiments will be applied to support the research and monitoring program. Explore establishment of a Conservation Fund or State Forest Foundation that can provide funding for conservation or recreation projects, and could be established through an existing trust or establishing a new or separate fund.

NEXT STEPS

At the September 29, 2014 Subcommittee Meeting, the Subcommittee will consider the DRAFT Options

described in the attachments. The subcommittee intends to formulate a recommendation for

consideration by the Full Board on November 5th. Some aspects of the DRAFT Options indicate a need

for more precise information or modeling. More sophisticated analyses will occur after the Board

decides on the overarching approach in November.

November 2014: the Board of Forestry, with leadership from the Subcommittee, will deliberate and

provide direction to the State Forests Division on an overarching approach for managing state forests,

and direct the Division to begin more detailed modeling work and develop a more detailed DRAFT FMP.

March 2015: the State Forests Division will submit a detailed DRAFT FMP to the Subcommittee reflecting

the lessons learned from the modeling effort.


DEVELOPING A NEW FOREST MANAGEMENT PLAN FOR NW OREGON APPLYING STAKEHOLDER INPUT & SCIENCE TO PROPOSED OPTIONS twin goals financial viability | improving conservation outcomes

Integrated Forest Management Approach Manage for a range of structure types and habitats across the landscape

Structure types and targets same as/or similar to current plan

Complex structure targets in North Coast districts, none in Willamette Valley districts

Pursue Habitat Conservation Plan

Increase no-cut stream buffers

Increase green tree retention

Continuous improvement of transportation networks

Current slope stability strategies

Growing recreation opportunities

Review species of concern strategies to improve conservation outcomes Forest management planning across districts Revisit implementation planning process to optimize financial viability and conservation outcomes Monitoring and adaptive management Establish fund for conservation or recreation projects

LANDSCAPE MANAGEMENT OPTION

70/30 TIMBER HARVEST OPTIMIZATION RECREATION & RESTORATION FMP 2.1

SCIENCE REVIEW INTERNAL/EXTERNAL OUTREACH & ENGAGEMENT

Italics = components

unique to option.

Components below the dotted line = common to both

options.

This sheet illustrates one of two forest

management options for consideration.

To meet the twin goals of financial

viability and improving conservation

outcomes, components from stakeholder

proposals were interwoven to create

options then reviewed by a scientific

panel. Management components included

in this option were developed from

stakeholder proposals, engagement and

outreach with the State Forest Advisory

Committee (SFAC), the Forest Trust Lands

Advisory Committee (FTLAC), Oregon

Department of Fish and Wildlife (ODFW),

U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, NOAA

Fisheries, stakeholders not on the formal

Stakeholder Group, members of the public

and a formal science assessment of

stakeholder-proposed options. Oregon

Department of Forestry (ODF) staff in each

of the six districts and Salem provided

their expertise and professional

knowledge to integrate components from

the Stakeholder Group, the engagement

and outreach process, and the science

assessment to develop a comprehensive

set of strategies for the new Forest

Management Plan. The source of each

component concept (e.g., where the idea

originated) is visually represented in the

box to the right.

STAKEHOLDER GROUP PROPOSALS

ADDITIONAL INPUT & REVIEW

Subcommittee on Alternative Forest Management Plans | September 29, 2014 AGENDA ITEM 8 Attachment 2 of 35

Focused Production/Conservation Forest Management Approach Production zone Conservation zone consisting of at least 30% of landscape Possible additional zones (for either production or conservation) Enhance early complex seral habitat

Pursue Habitat Conservation Plan

Increase no-cut stream buffers

Increase green tree retention

Continuous improvement to transportation networks

Current slope stability strategies

Growing recreation opportunities

Review species of concern strategies to improve conservation outcomes

Forest management planning across districts

Revisit implementation planning process to optimize financial viability and conservation outcomes

Monitoring and adaptive management

Establish fund for conservation or recreation projects

DEVELOPING A NEW FOREST MANAGEMENT PLAN FOR NW OREGON APPLYING STAKEHOLDER INPUT & SCIENCE TO PROPOSED OPTIONS twin goals financial viability | improving conservation outcomes

LAND ALLOCATION OPTION

70/30 TIMBER HARVEST OPTIMIZATION RECREATION & RESTORATION FMP 2.1

SCIENCE REVIEW INTERNAL/EXTERNAL OUTREACH & ENGAGEMENT

Italics = components unique

to option.

Components below

the dotted line =

common to both

options.

This sheet illustrates one of two forest

management options for consideration.

To meet the twin goals of financial

viability and improving conservation

outcomes, components from

stakeholder proposals were interwoven

to create options then reviewed by a

scientific panel. Management

components included in this option

were developed from stakeholder

proposals, engagement and outreach

with the State Forest Advisory

Committee (SFAC), the Forest Trust

Lands Advisory Committee (FTLAC),

Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife

(ODFW), U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service,

NOAA Fisheries, stakeholders not on the

formal Stakeholder Group, members of

the public and a formal science

assessment of stakeholder-proposed

options. Oregon Department of Forestry

(ODF) staff in each of the six districts and

Salem provided their expertise and

professional knowledge to integrate

components from the Stakeholder

Group, the engagement and outreach

process, and the science assessment to

develop a comprehensive set of

strategies for the new Forest

Management Plan. The source of each

component concept (e.g., where the

idea originated) is visually represented

in the box to the right.

STAKEHOLDER GROUP PROPOSALS

ADDITIONAL INPUT & REVIEW


Landscape Management Draft Concept September 2014 Page 1 of 9

LandscapeManagementVisionandGuidingPrinciplesVisionThe forest described produces sustainable and predictable forest products that generate jobs and

revenues for the benefit of the state, counties, and local taxing districts. The management approaches

described reduce economic risks by producing a diverse mix of stand structures and associated timber

products, and will lead to increases in the asset value of the lands over time.

The diversity of forest structures is enhanced over time, providing for a broad range of social values

important to Oregon citizens, including recreation. The diverse forest structures produced contribute to

the range of fish and wildlife habitats necessary for all native species, and contribute to broad

biodiversity. This forest will provide the range of forest conditions that will need to exist to achieve the

goals for all resources.

ManagementPerspectiveThe Landscape Management approach builds upon structure‐based management and conservation

designations set forth in the current FMP and the “FMP 2.1” stakeholder proposal. Forest biodiversity

will be promoted through active and passive management, including the development of a range of

seral stages characterized as “Structure Types.” The structure targets found in the current Northwest

FMP (2010; Table 1) may need to be adjusted to meet financial and conservation outcomes.

A range of silvicultural prescriptions will be used to maximize volume and value of products as well as

habitat over the long‐term. A range of techniques will be used to assess potential for risks from insects

and disease, fire, wind throw, climate change, and other sources of disturbance. Strategies to mitigate

those risks will be employed within the context of the management plan. Transitioning to the new plan

will vary by district.

Complex Seral Stage: Complex structure (combined “Layered” and “Older Forest Structure”) targets will

be allocated across the Northwest Region districts (Astoria, Forest Grove, & Tillamook) boundaries to

achieve high conservation benefits (preliminary targets shown in Table 1 below). The Willamette Region

Districts (North Cascades, West Oregon, & Western Lane) will not have a complex structure target.

However, harvest restrictions associated with habitat for Northern Spotted Owls and marbled murrelets

will result in the conservation of complex structure on the landscape.

The complex structure target on the Northwest Region districts will be achieved through a landscape

design modified to balance timber production, social values, and biological values. As the structure

targets are achieved, portions of the landscape design will shift across the forest over the course of

decades. Species of Concern (SOC) resource sites will be one consideration in the designation (including

Terrestrial Anchors, owl circles, MMMAs). Other habitat parameters such as patch size, connectivity

between patches, and diversity of habitats will be considered. Stands that are allocated for a desired

future condition (DFC) of complex structure will be considered a conservation benefit. Active

management will occur within stands designated for complex structure.

Subcommittee on Alternative Forest Management Plans | September 29, 2014 Attachment 2



Table 1. Structure types and percent of landscape targets. These types and targets may need to be adjusted to meet financial and conservation outcomes

Stand Structure Types: Desired Future Percent of the Landscape in North Coast Region

Regeneration 15‐25 percent

Closed Single Canopy 5‐15 percent

Understory 30‐40 percent

Layered 15‐25 percent

Older Forest Structure 15‐25 percent

Other Structure Types: The decisions for allocating regeneration, closed single canopy, and understory

structure types on remaining portions of the landscape will be largely driven by harvest opportunities

and stand characteristics. These stands will be managed to support structure goals for the landscape

and provide a continuous supply of forest benefits, including harvests.

GuidingPrinciplesGuiding principles are the overall rules, goals, and responsibilities that guide the planning process for

Oregon state forests. They arise from state and federal laws and administrative rules; policies of the

Board of Forestry, State Land Board, and State Forester; and input from advisory committees, scientists,

interest groups, and the public.

A goal established by the Board of Forestry for this plan was to create a new plan that “will be financially

viable while improving conservation outcomes1.”

Financial viability will be enhanced by managing across district boundaries, removal of complex

structure targets from the Willamette Region districts, and the use of a range of silvicultural approaches

to maximize volume and value of products.

Establishment of the State Forests Foundation Fund can enhance environmental, economic and social

benefits. The vision is to establish a fund which allows for the Department to accept contributions

(rather than funding through the Forest Development Fund) to be used for conservation or recreation

projects. This fund will be pursued outside of the Forest Management Plan process as it may require

legislative approval and authority to establish.

Revenue from the State Forest Foundation Fund could enhance adaptive management and monitoring

of fish, wildlife, and water quality, as well as, increase the feasibility of ongoing research on the effects

of forest management on biodiversity. Increased funding could also enhance possibilities of appropriate

inventory to enable identification of high biodiversity value forest.

1 Board of Forestry Subcommittee Meeting 9/10/2013. Policy Sideboards and Success Criteria document.




Increased conservation associated with these strategies includes a separation of retained green trees

from Riparian Management Areas (RMAs) which will ultimately increase the effectiveness of retained

green trees and foster a variety of leave patterns across harvest units, optimization of terrestrial anchors

with regard to the number, size and spatial arrangement, wider no‐harvest riparian buffers and riparian

harvest only to occur expressly to improve riparian function, and improvements to the transportation

network.

SocialResourcesNorthwest Oregon state forests comprise about three percent of Oregon’s forest land. However, these

forests are important to local communities economically dependent on the forests’ resources and

important to residents who recreate in these forests. Perhaps more important to Oregon’s economy is

the contribution the forests make to one of Oregon’s major economic advantages, the perception of

unsurpassed livability.

Recreation Evaluate appropriate levels and types of recreation as part of Implementation Plan revision.

Consider:

o Maintenance costs

o Construction costs

o Types of opportunities provided by regional landowners (i.e., substitutes and

complements)

o Statewide Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan (SCORP)

Development of recreation policy.

Evaluate opportunities for growing recreation (e.g., establish new recreation areas [e.g., King’s

Mountain, Mountain Biking Areas, or Shooting Range]).

Additionalsocialresourcestrategiesunderdevelopmentinclude: contributions to Oregon’s economy, cultural resources, and scenic resources.

EconomicResourcesThe timber stands on the northwest Oregon state forests are an asset to the state, counties, local taxing

districts, and to the Common School Fund.

Management of the timber asset includes investment of time, dollars, and resources to realize the

forest’s ability to generate sustainable timber harvest and revenue over the long term. Investments

include direct expenses in young stand management activities such as precommercial thinning and

fertilization; and in forest infrastructure, such as roads and bridges. There are also indirect expenses for

overall planning and long‐term management, such as forest inventory and GIS systems, research

projects, and monitoring projects.

The timber resources are renewable and sustainable, and therefore the forest’s revenue‐generating

potential is viewed in a long‐term context.




Economicresourcestrategiesunderdevelopmentinclude: timber, non‐timber forest

products, land base and access, energy and minerals, and agriculture and grazing.

EnvironmentalResourcesEnvironmentalandConservation–Description,Goals,andStrategies“Conservation is the maintenance of essential ecological processes, preservation of genetic diversity,

and sustainable use of species and ecosystems.” (Adapted from: International Union for Conservation

of Nature and Natural Resources (IUCN). 1980. World Conservation Strategy: Living Resource

Conservation for Sustainable Development. 77pp.)

SpeciesofConcernThe current FMP SOC goals, strategies and associated policy will be retained. Current terrestrial anchors

will be reviewed on all districts (during Implementation Plan revision) to optimize the number and

locations of the anchors on the landscape to increase conservation outcomes. Modifications to existing

anchors will promote biodiversity by maximizing the potential for stand and landscape function (e.g.,

more efficiently allocate the lands with the goal of improving function).

The current FMP marbled murrelet and Northern Spotted Owl goals, strategies, and associated policies

will be retained. Marbled murrelet management areas (MMMA) and Northern Spotted Owl (NSO) circles

will continue to be implemented as described in current policies.

HabitatConservationPlanThe benefits of a habitat conservation plan (HCP) include increased certainty around conservation of

listed species as well as the ability to meet harvest objectives. If an HCP is obtained, it becomes a

powerful tool for programmatic compliance with the Endangered Species Act. The State Forests division

has worked towards HCPs for the Northwest State Forests in the past. The State Forest Division will

continue to explore programmatic ESA compliance mechanisms including the pursuit of an HCP for the

districts in this planning area.

TerrestrialResourcesWildlife

DescriptionandAssessmentNorthwest Oregon state forests currently have habitat suitable for most native species found in forests in

both the Oregon Coast Range and northern Cascade Mountains (Brown 1985, Csuti et al. 1997).

Appendix E provides lists of vertebrate species known or suspected to be found on, adjacent to, or in

some cases, downstream of, state forest lands in both aquatic and terrestrial environments. In total,

these lists include approximately 270 species, of which 63 are mammals, 147 birds, 32 amphibians and

reptiles, and 28 fishes. These lists generally do not include the many species of marine fishes, birds, and

mammals that may be found in the Tillamook and Columbia River estuaries adjacent to state forest

lands, unless they use state forest lands for some portion of their life history requirements.




ManagementGoals In a regional context, provide habitats that contribute to maintaining or enhancing native wildlife

populations at self‐sustaining levels, and contribute to properly functioning aquatic habitats for

salmonids, and other native fish and aquatic life.

Meet the requirements of federal and state endangered species acts.

Contribute to maintaining fish and wildlife populations at levels that allow recreational and

commercial opportunities, including fishing, hunting, and wildlife viewing.

Maintain compatibility with Oregon’s Statewide Planning Goal 5 (Open Spaces, Scenic and Historic

Areas, and Natural Resources).

ManagementStrategiesA series of strategies will be used to conserve and promote habitat for wildlife and other terrestrial

resources. Strategies include: Green Tree Retention (GTR), retention of snags, and downed wood, and

conservation of existing old growth trees or stands.

GreenTreeRetentionandLegacyStructuresPurposes of upland green tree retention and legacy structures are:

Short Term – Provide habitat for diverse species and promote forest landscape

connectivity.

Long Term – serve as a source of future snags and downed wood; provide legacy trees in

new stands following harvest to provide habitat function similar to the scattered

remnant and old growth trees in today’s stands, and genetic retention.

PolicyStandards21. Green Tree Retention

a. Allocation of 2‐4 trees per acre (TPA) in regeneration harvests in the uplands.

b. Consider varying the number of trees per acre required between the Northwest Region

and Willamette Region (e.g. 3 TPA on Northwest Region and 2 TPA on Willamette

Region)

c. Allocation of 6 TPA (at least 2 of which are ≥ 24” DBH; where available) in regeneration

harvests in lands designated for complex late seral habitat.

d. Trees in riparian fish buffers cannot count towards upland green tree retention

objectives. Evaluate the potential to include trees in small non‐fish buffers to contribute

to GTR goals.

e. Green tree counts are averaged across all harvest units in each district’s Annual

Operations Plan.

2. Legacy Structures

a. The current targets will be retained for snags and downed wood in regeneration harvest

units.

2 Where a range is indicated, landscape modeling will be used to evaluate the costs and benefits of choices within the range prior to selection of final value consistent with BoF policy sideboards 3, 5 and 6.




b. All old growth trees (as defined in the current FMP) will be maintained (where

operationally feasible), including all stands, patches or individual trees (same as current

standards).

c. All legacy snags and downed logs will be maintained unless safety considerations

outweigh conservation concerns (same as current standards).

AquaticResourcesFishandOtherAquaticBiota

DescriptionandAssessmentThe streams, rivers, lakes, and other water bodies in the northwest Oregon state forests provide habitats

for a variety of fish species. At least 28 species of fish use habitats in the plan area for part or all of their

life history, or use habitats downstream from state forests that may be influenced by state forest

management.

Native salmonid species in the northwest Oregon state forests include fall and spring races of chinook

salmon, Coho salmon, chum salmon, winter and summer steelhead trout, resident populations of

rainbow trout, and both anadromous and resident races of cutthroat trout. Native non‐salmonid fishes

include various species of lamprey, sculpin, dace, chub, sucker, and others. Appendix E has a complete list

of native freshwater fish species currently known or likely to exist in the planning area. The Oregon

Department of Fish and Wildlife collects information on fish populations.

StreamClassificationStreams are classified in categories based on their beneficial use and stream size, as described in the

Department of Forestry’s Forest Practice Technical Note FP1 — Water Classification, published in April

1994 (Oregon Department of Forestry, 1994b). The beneficial use categories are defined as follows:

Type F — Fish‐bearing streams including those with domestic water use.

Type D – Non‐fish‐bearing stream with domestic water use

Type N — All other streams

Three stream size categories were also defined based on the average annual flow (measured in cubic feet

per second; cfs):

Small ≤ 2 cfs

Medium > 2 cfs and ≤ 10 cfs

Large: > 10 cfs

There are also two flow pattern classifications:

Perennial Type N streams – streams that are expected to have summer surface flow after July 15.

Seasonal Type N streams – streams that only flow during portions of the year; these streams are

not expected to have summer surface flow after July 15.




o Potential debris flow track reaches – potential debris flow track reaches are reaches on

Seasonal Type N streams that have been determined to have a high probability of

delivering large wood to a type F stream.

WetlandsWetlands are often near streams or have trees, but they are ecologically distinct from streams and

forests. The Forest Practices Act identifies three major types of wetlands: significant wetlands, stream‐

associated wetlands, and other wetlands. Significant wetlands are defined as bogs, estuaries, and both

forested and non‐forested wetlands larger than eight acres.

In the northwest Oregon state forests, most wetlands are located along stream channels and are

forested with red alders. Other wetlands are identified as seeps, and wet areas under the forest canopy.

These wetlands are usually associated with red alders, devil’s club, and skunk cabbage. Many wetlands

have conifers also. Sitka spruce wetlands exist in the coastal spruce zone. A few Cascades wetlands have

sedges and tag alder stands.

RiparianHabitatThe condition of the trees, other vegetation, and soils in the riparian area affects the morphology of

streams, and the condition of fish habitat. Ecological functions of riparian areas include shade, bank

stability, nutrients (as leaves and wood drop into the water), large wood, and complex margins to the

stream. These functions are important for healthy fish habitat, and also for the many wildlife species that

rely partially or completely on riparian habitats, from rare amphibians to birds of prey. Floods may occur

on only one or two days a year, but a healthy riparian area is especially important at these times and may

influence whether the flood renews or degrades conditions within the stream.









Maintain the natural functions and attributes of wetlands over time.

Ensure that no net loss of wetlands occurs as a result of our management activities.

ManagementStrategiesAquatic resources are protected, maintained, or enhanced using a range of strategies including: stream

buffers, riparian restoration, aquatic enhancement, and wetland protection measures. All buffers will

be measured by horizontal distance from outer edge of stream associated wetland, active channel

width, or channel migration zone, whichever is greatest.




PolicyStandards31. Increase No‐Cut Buffers and Ground‐Based Equipment Exclusion Zones: Type F and Type N

streams

a. All Type F streams and large and medium Type N streams will have a 115 foot no‐cut

buffer

b. Small perennial type N streams – buffer width ranging from current (25 foot no‐cut) to

50 foot no‐cut

c. Seasonal debris‐flow or high‐energy streams that deliver wood or gravel to Type F or

Large or medium Type N streams will have a no‐cut buffer ranging from current (25 foot

no‐cut) to 50 feet no‐cut

d. All other small Type N seasonal streams will have a ground‐based equipment exclusion

zone ranging from current (30 foot) to 35 feet except at designated crossings.

e. Cable corridors and temporary crossings will be allowed.

2. Riparian Restoration: Active management is an option in stream‐side buffers to improve riparian

functions. This requires a Riparian Restoration plan that will include a cooperative evaluation

with Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife (ODFW) and is intended for areas where active

management can expedite achieving desired riparian function and riparian conditions. Specific

circumstances where this may be desired include, but are not limited to: overstocked young

Douglas‐fir stands, diseased forest conditions, or after a major disturbance (e.g., blow down).

3. Aquatic Habitat Enhancement: Evaluated in cooperation with Oregon Department of Fish and

Wildlife (ODFW); emphasis on actions in fish conservation for native fish passage and habitat

enhancement.

4. Wetlands: Same size categories and restrictions as in current FMP; these could be buffered

differently to reflect any changes to Type F or N buffers above.

5. Inner Gorges: The greater of either:

a. A buffer extending to the top of the slope break that defines the inner gorge; or

b. The buffer that is normally applied to the stream type (e.g., Type F, small Type N,

seasonal other).

RoadsThe transportation process will focus on continuous improvement of the transportation network. The

transportation network will be managed to:

Protect water quality and associated impacts on aquatic resources

Minimize the road network to that needed to provide access for meeting the management plan

objectives.

Meet or exceed FPA standards for construction, maintenance and wet weather use.





Meet goals for minimizing hydrologic connectivity and eliminating road‐related barriers to fish

passage.

SlopeStabilityCurrent strategies with regard to road construction, aquatic habitat and water quality and public safety

will be applied.

Additionalenvironmentalresourcestrategiesunderdevelopmentinclude: forest health, air quality, climate change, rare plants, geology and soils, and water quality and supply.

MonitoringandAdaptiveManagementThe Forest Management Plan for State Forests emphasizes the need for adaptive approaches to

management in which the results of management actions are measured and changes are made where

necessary. This approach requires a commitment to long‐term information‐gathering and the

incorporation of that information into the decision‐making process. With increased revenues, the state

forests research and monitoring program will be enhanced to ensure that the levels of research,

monitoring, and technology transfer are adequate to meet the information needs required by this long‐

range management plan.

Two important objectives of the monitoring program are: 1) to determine whether FMP programs and

strategies are implemented as stated; and 2) to determine whether FMP programs and strategies are

effective at achieving stated objectives. The FMP serves as the basis for identification of specific

information needs that should be addressed through new projects.

Adaptive management is the process through which management practices are incrementally improved

by implementing plans in ways that provide opportunities to learn from experience. Through a broad

program of monitoring, surveys, reporting, and cooperative research, ODF will evaluate the biological

relationships and habitat responses to management actions. This process will provide a credible method

to assess whether our management strategies are functioning as intended.

The primary purpose of adaptive management is to demonstrate, with sound scientific information, why

a change in management would be necessary. The key components of the management strategies will

be tested through this adaptive process to determine if specific objectives are being met.



Land Allocation Draft Concept September 2014 Page 1 of 9

LandAllocationVisionandGuidingPrinciplesVisionThe forest described produces sustainable and predictable forest products that generate jobs and


described reduce economic risks by producing a diverse mix of forest conditions and associated timber


In designated conservation areas, the diversity of the forest is enhanced over time, providing for a broad

range of social values important to Oregon citizens, including recreation. The diverse forest structures

produced contribute to the range of fish and wildlife habitats necessary for all native species, and

contribute to broad biodiversity. This forest will provide the range of forest conditions that will need to

exist to achieve the goals for all resources.

ManagementPerspectiveThe Land Allocation approach will be used to designate lands into zones, primarily for timber harvest

production or for conservation. This option builds upon the 70/30 stakeholder proposal.1 While the

lands will be allocated for the primary attainment of either conservation or economic benefits, there will

be conservation benefits within the production zone and there will be active management in the

conservation zone consistent with conservation goals. Locations of some of the conservation areas

within these zones will be static while others will be dynamic. As with the stakeholder proposal, this

Option presents only 2 management allocations. Additional allocation zone types could be defined to

provide for a range of production or conservation zones.

Conservation Zone: The conservation zone is likely to require at least 30% of the landscape in order to

achieve the conservation goals under the plan. The conservation zone will contain structure intended to

maintain or promote biodiversity, including a range of seral stages.

Forests managed for late seral structure will be associated with habitat for Northern Spotted Owls (NSO)

and marbled murrelets (MM). These stands will have limited harvest activities consistent with current

NSO and MM policies. For conservation zones outside of the NSO circles and Marbled Murrelet

Management Areas (MMMA), management will be done to promote improved conservation outcomes

for the specific target species (e.g., owls or murrelets, and other late seral associated species).

The conservation zone will include some combination of habitats for fish, wildlife, and special plants.

Examples include, but are not limited to MMMAs, NSO circles, terrestrial and aquatic anchors, and

riparian buffers. Forests in this zone include stands managed to maintain or develop into complex

1 While this plan derives some management concepts from 70/30, it is important to note the expected volume outcome is not likely to be at the same level as the stakeholder proposed plan. The strategies presented here will result in a lower annual volume.




structure, as well as, stands and structures intended to provide other habitat values. The zone will

provide flexibility over time to account for a dynamic landscape and respond to new threatened and

endangered species concerns. Emphasis will be given to maintain connectivity, minimize fragmentation,

and maintain desirable patch size by considering location and size of conservation areas.

Wood Production Zone: The production zone portion of the landscape will be managed for a range of

age classes that provide product diversity and produce the most value. The strategy in this zone will be

to have fully stocked stands of species well adapted to the sites, grown to desirable age and size for

current and anticipated timber markets. A range of silvicultural prescriptions will be used to maximize

volume and value of products produced over the long‐term. A range of techniques will be used to

assess potential for occupancy by ESA‐listed species, (e.g., known habitat variables, probability models)

and assess risks from insects and disease, fire, wind throw, climate change, or other disturbance.

Complex Early Structure: Over the past decade, there has been increasing recognition of the paucity

and importance of complex early seral habitat on the landscape. Complex early seral stands provide

habitat for a variety of wildlife including spotted owls, ungulates, and several songbird species of

concern. Historically, ODF’s primary management focus in young stands has been reforestation with

consideration for subsequent, long‐term habitat development (e.g., legacy structures, tree species

diversity) and other goals (e.g., recreation access). Moving forward, ODF will focus more explicitly and

intentionally on creating complex early seral habitat on a subset of young stands through both passive

and active management approaches. Areas managed to promote complex early structure can be

established in either the conservation or production zone.

GuidingPrinciplesGuiding principles are the overall rules, goals, and responsibilities that guide the planning process for



interest groups, and the public.

A goal established by the Board of Forestry for this plan was to create a new plan that “will be financially

viable while improving conservation outcomes2.”

Financial viability will be enhanced by managing across district boundaries, efficiencies gained through

the explicit allocation of production zones, and the use of a range of silvicultural approaches to

maximize volume and value of products.

Establishment of the State Forests Foundation Fund can enhance environmental, economic and social

benefits. The vision is to establish a fund which allows for the Department to accept contributions

(rather than funding through the Forest Development Fund) to be used for conservation or recreation

projects. This fund will be pursued outside of the Forest Management Plan process as it may require

legislative approval and authority to establish.

2 Board of Forestry Subcommittee Meeting 9/10/2013. Policy Sideboards and Success Criteria document.




Revenue from the State Forests Foundation Fund could enhance adaptive management and monitoring

of fish, wildlife, and water quality, as well as, increase the feasibility of ongoing research on the effects

of forest management on biodiversity. Increased funding could also enhance possibilities of appropriate

inventory to enable identification of high biodiversity value forest.

Increased conservation associated with these strategies include a separation of retained green trees

from Riparian Management Areas (RMAs) which will ultimately increase the effectiveness of retained

green trees and foster a variety of leave patterns across harvest units, optimization of terrestrial anchors

with regard to the number, size and spatial arrangement, wider no‐harvest riparian buffers and riparian

harvest only to occur expressly to improve riparian function, enhancement of complex early seral

habitat, and improvements to road best‐management practices. A potential conservation benefit of this

plan is the explicit and durable allocation of conservation on at least 30% of the landscape. This differs

from the current FMP that adopts a “floating reserve” (shifting mosaic) approach.

SocialResourcesNorthwest Oregon state forests comprise about three percent of Oregon’s forest land. However, these

forests are important to local communities economically dependent on the forests’ resources and

important to residents who recreate in these forests. Perhaps more important to Oregon’s economy is

the contribution the forests make to one of Oregon’s major economic advantages, the perception of

unsurpassed livability.

Recreation Evaluate appropriate levels and types of recreation as part of Implementation Plan revision.

Consider:

o Maintenance costs

o Construction costs

o Types of opportunities provided by regional landowners (i.e., substitutes and

complements)

o Statewide Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan (SCORP)

Development of recreation policy.

Evaluate opportunities for growing recreation (e.g., establish new recreation areas [e.g., King’s

Mountain, Mountain Biking Areas, or Shooting Range])

Additionalsocialresourcestrategiesunderdevelopmentinclude: contributions to Oregon’s economy, cultural resources, and scenic resources.

EconomicResourcesThe timber stands on the northwest Oregon state forests are an asset to the state, counties, local taxing

districts, and to the Common School Fund.

Management of the timber asset includes investment of time, dollars, and resources to realize the

forest’s ability to generate sustainable timber harvest and revenue over the long term. Investments




include direct expenses in young stand management activities such as precommercial thinning and

fertilization; and in forest infrastructure, such as roads and bridges. There are also indirect expenses for

overall planning and long‐term management, such as forest inventory and GIS systems, research

projects, and monitoring projects.

The timber resources are renewable and sustainable, and therefore the forest’s revenue‐generating

potential is viewed in a long‐term context.

Economicresourcestrategiesunderdevelopmentinclude: timber, non‐timber forest

products, land base and access, energy and minerals, and agriculture and grazing.

EnvironmentalResourcesEnvironmentalandConservation–Description,Goals,andStrategies“Conservation is the maintenance of essential ecological processes, preservation of genetic diversity,

and sustainable use of species and ecosystems.” (Adapted from: International Union for Conservation

of Nature and Natural Resources (IUCN). 1980. World Conservation Strategy: Living Resource

Conservation for Sustainable Development. 77pp.)

SpeciesofConcernThe current FMP SOC goals, strategies and associated policy will be retained. Current terrestrial anchors

will be reviewed on all districts (during Implementation Plan revision) to optimize the number and

locations of the anchors on the landscape to increase conservation outcomes. Modifications to existing

anchors will promote biodiversity by maximizing the potential for stand and landscape function (e.g.,

more efficiently allocate the lands with the goal of improving function).

The current FMP marbled murrelet and Northern Spotted Owl goals, strategies and associated policies

will be retained. Marbled murrelet management areas (MMMA) and Northern Spotted Owl (NSO) circles

will continue to be implemented as described in current policies.

HabitatConservationPlanThe benefits of a habitat conservation plan (HCP) include increased certainty around conservation of

listed species as well as the ability to meet harvest objectives. If an HCP is obtained, it becomes a

powerful tool for programmatic compliance with the Endangered Species Act. The State Forest division

has worked towards HCPs for the Northwest State Forests in the past. The State Forests Division will

continue to explore programmatic ESA compliance mechanisms including the pursuit of an HCP for the

districts in this planning area.

TerrestrialResourcesWildlife

DescriptionandAssessmentNorthwest Oregon state forests currently have habitat suitable for most native species found in forests in

both the Oregon Coast Range and northern Cascade Mountains (Brown 1985, Csuti et al. 1997).

Appendix E provides lists of vertebrate species known or suspected to be found on, adjacent to, or in




some cases, downstream of, state forest lands in both aquatic and terrestrial environments. In total,

these lists include approximately 270 species, of which 63 are mammals, 147 birds, 32 amphibians and

reptiles, and 28 fishes. These lists generally do not include the many species of marine fishes, birds, and

mammals that may be found in the Tillamook and Columbia River estuaries adjacent to state forest

lands, unless they use state forest lands for some portion of their life history requirements.









ManagementStrategiesA series of strategies will be used to conserve and promote habitat for wildlife and other terrestrial

resources. Strategies include: Green Tree Retention (GTR), retention of snags, and downed wood, and

conservation of existing old growth trees or stands.

GreenTreeRetentionandLegacyStructuresPurposes of upland green tree retention and legacy structures are:

Short Term – Provide habitat for diverse species and promote forest landscape connectivity.

Long Term – serve as a source of future snags and downed wood; provide legacy trees in new

stands following harvest to provide habitat function similar to the scattered remnant and old

growth trees in today’s stands, and genetic retention.

PolicyStandards31. Green Tree Retention

a. Allocation of 2‐4 trees per acre (TPA) in regeneration harvests in the production zone.

b. Consider varying the number of trees per acre required between the Northwest Region

and Willamette Region (e.g., 3 TPA on Northwest Region and 2 TPA on Willamette

Region)

c. Allocation of 6 TPA (at least 2 of which are ≥ 24” DBH; where available) in regeneration

harvests conservation zone.

d. Trees in riparian fish buffers cannot count towards upland green tree retention

objectives. Evaluate the potential to include trees in small non‐fish buffers to contribute

to GTR goals.

e. Green tree counts are averaged across all regeneration harvest units in each district’s

Annual Operations Plan.





2. Legacy Structures

a. The current targets will be retained for snags and downed wood in regeneration harvest

units.

b. All old growth trees (as defined in the current FMP) will be maintained (where

operationally feasible), including all stands, patches or individual trees (same as current

standards).

c. All legacy snags and downed logs will be maintained unless safety considerations

outweigh conservation concerns (same as current standards).

3. Enhance Early Seral Habitat – Current vegetation management strategies and green tree

retention requirements result in creation of some relatively complex early seral habitat.

Approaches to and rationale for vegetation management may vary among districts. The creation

of complex early seral habitat will occur through active and passive means.

AquaticResourcesFishandOtherAquaticBiota

DescriptionandAssessmentThe streams, rivers, lakes, and other water bodies in the northwest Oregon state forests provide habitats

for a variety of fish species. At least 28 species of fish use habitats in the plan area for part or all of their

life history, or use habitats downstream from state forests that may be influenced by state forest

management.

Native salmonid species in the northwest Oregon state forests include fall and spring races of Chinook

salmon, Coho salmon, chum salmon, winter and summer steelhead trout, resident populations of

rainbow trout, and both anadromous and resident races of cutthroat trout. Native non‐salmonid fishes

include various species of lamprey, sculpin, dace, chub, sucker, and others. Appendix E of the Northwest

Forest Management Plan has a complete list of native freshwater fish species currently known or likely to

exist in the planning area. The Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife collects information on fish

populations.

StreamClassificationStreams are classified in categories based on their beneficial use and stream size, as described in the

Department of Forestry’s Forest Practice Technical Note FP1 — Water Classification, published in April

1994 (Oregon Department of Forestry, 1994b). The beneficial use categories are defined as follows:

Type F — Fish‐bearing streams including those with domestic water use.

Type D – Non‐fish‐bearing stream with domestic water use

Type N — All other streams

Three stream size categories were also defined based on the average annual flow (measured in cubic feet

per second; cfs):

Small ≤ 2 cfs

Medium > 2 cfs and ≤ 10 cfs




Large: > 10 cfs

There are also two flow pattern classifications:

Perennial Type N streams – streams that are expected to have summer surface flow after July 15.

Seasonal Type N streams – streams that only flow during portions of the year; these streams are

not expected to have summer surface flow after July 15.

o Potential debris flow track reaches – potential debris flow track reaches are reaches on

Seasonal Type N streams that have been determined to have a high probability of

delivering large wood to a type F stream.

WetlandsWetlands are often near streams or have trees, but they are ecologically distinct from streams and

forests. The Forest Practices Act identifies three major types of wetlands: significant wetlands, stream‐

associated wetlands, and other wetlands. Significant wetlands are defined as bogs, estuaries, and both

forested and non‐forested wetlands larger than eight acres.

In the northwest Oregon state forests, most wetlands are located along stream channels and are

forested with red alders. Other wetlands are identified as seeps, and wet areas under the forest canopy.

These wetlands are usually associated with red alders, devil’s club, and skunk cabbage. Many wetlands

have conifers also. Sitka spruce wetlands exist in the coastal spruce zone. A few Cascades wetlands have

sedges and tag alder stands.

RiparianHabitatThe condition of the trees, other vegetation, and soils in the riparian area affects the morphology of

streams, and the condition of fish habitat. Ecological functions of riparian areas include shade, bank

stability, nutrients (as leaves and wood drop into the water), large wood, and complex margins to the

stream. These functions are important for healthy fish habitat, and also for the many wildlife species that

rely partially or completely on riparian habitats, from rare amphibians to birds of prey. Floods may occur

on only one or two days a year, but a healthy riparian area is especially important at these times and may

influence whether the flood renews or degrades conditions within the stream.









Maintain the natural functions and attributes of wetlands over time.

Ensure that no net loss of wetlands occurs as a result of our management activities.




ManagementStrategiesAquatic resources are protected, maintained, or enhanced using a range of strategies including: stream

buffers, riparian restoration, aquatic enhancement, and wetland protection measures. All buffers will

be measured by horizontal distance from outer edge of stream associated wetland, active channel

width, or channel migration zone, whichever is greatest.

PolicyStandards41. Increase No‐Cut Buffers and Ground‐Based Equipment Exclusion Zones: Type F and Type N

streams

a. All Type F streams and large and medium Type N streams will have a 115 foot no‐cut

buffer

b. Small perennial type N streams – buffer width ranging from current (25 foot no‐cut) to

50 foot no‐cut

c. Seasonal debris‐flow streams that deliver wood or gravel to Type F or Large or medium

Type N streams will have a no‐cut buffer ranging from current (25 foot no‐cut) to 50 feet

no‐cut

d. All other small Type N seasonal streams will have a ground‐based equipment exclusion

zone ranging from current (30 foot) to 35 feet except at designated crossings.

e. Cable corridors and temporary crossings will be allowed.

2. Riparian Restoration: Active management is an option in stream‐side buffers to improve riparian

functions. This requires a Riparian Restoration plan that will include a cooperative evaluation

with Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife (ODFW) and is intended for areas where active

management can expedite achieving desired riparian function and riparian conditions. Specific

circumstances where this may be desired include, but are not limited to: overstocked young

Douglas‐fir stands, diseased forest conditions, or after a major disturbance (e.g., blow down).

3. Aquatic Habitat Enhancement: Evaluated in cooperation with Oregon Department of Fish and

Wildlife (ODFW); emphasis on actions in fish conservation for native fish passage and habitat

enhancement.

4. Wetlands: Same size categories and restrictions as in current FMP; these could be buffered

differently to reflect any changes to Type F or N buffers above.

5. Inner Gorges: The greater of either:

a. A buffer extending to the top of the slope break that defines the inner gorge; or

b. The buffer that is normally applied to the stream type (e.g., Type F, small Type N,

seasonal other).

RoadsThe transportation process will focus on continuous improvement of the transportation network. The

transportation network will be managed to:

Protect water quality and associated impacts on aquatic resources





Minimize the road network to that needed to provide access for meeting the management plan

objectives.

Meet or exceed FPA standards for construction, maintenance and wet weather use.

Meet goals for minimizing hydrologic connectivity and eliminating road‐related barriers to fish

passage.

SlopeStabilityCurrent strategies with regard to road construction, aquatic habitat and water quality and public safety

will be applied.

Additionalenvironmentalresourcestrategiesunderdevelopmentinclude: forest health, air quality, climate change, rare plants, geology and soils, and water quality and supply.

MonitoringandAdaptiveManagementThe Forest Management Plan for State Forests emphasizes the need for adaptive approaches to

management in which the results of management actions are measured and changes are made where

necessary. This approach requires a commitment to long‐term information‐gathering and the

incorporation of that information into the decision‐making process. With increased revenues, the state

forests research and monitoring program will be enhanced to ensure that the levels of research,

monitoring, and technology transfer are adequate to meet the information needs required by this long‐

range management plan.

Two important objectives of the monitoring program are: 1) to determine whether FMP programs and

strategies are implemented as stated; and 2) to determine whether FMP programs and strategies are

effective at achieving stated objectives. The FMP serves as the basis for identification of specific

information needs that should be addressed through new projects.

Adaptive management is the process through which management practices are incrementally improved

by implementing plans in ways that provide opportunities to learn from experience. Through a broad

program of monitoring, surveys, reporting, and cooperative research, ODF will evaluate the biological

relationships and habitat responses to management actions. This process will provide a credible method

to assess whether our management strategies are functioning as intended.

The primary purpose of adaptive management is to demonstrate, with sound scientific information, why

a change in management would be necessary. The key components of the management strategies will

be tested through this adaptive process to determine if specific objectives are being met.



Principles and Vision Draft Plan September 2014 Page 1 of 10

GuidingPrinciplesandVisionGuidingPrinciplesGuiding principles are the overall rules, goals, and responsibilities that guide the planning process for



interest groups, and the public. The guiding principles for this plan were originally drafted and reviewed

with the planning forum and the public at the beginning of the northwest Oregon planning process. The

guiding principles have been amended since 1995, subsequent to adoption of a new administrative rule

for state forest management; new scientific knowledge, especially about salmon and watersheds; and

changes in social values.

Principle 1

The plan will recognize that the goal for management of Board of Forestry Lands is to secure the

greatest permanent value to the citizens of Oregon by providing healthy, productive, and sustainable

forest ecosystems that over time and across the landscape provide a full range of social, economic,

and environmental benefits to the people of Oregon. The goal for management of Common School

Forest Land is the maximization of income to the Common School Fund over the long term.

Most of the northwest Oregon state forests (97 percent) are Board of Forestry‐owned land. The

remaining lands (3 percent) are Common School Forest Lands, owned by the State Land Board. The

Oregon Department of Forestry manages all state forest lands in northwest Oregon for both

landowners. Oregon Administrative Rules (OAR 629‐035‐0000 through 629‐035‐0100) describe the

Board of Forestry’s guidance to the State Forester for managing Board of Forestry Lands:

To secure the greatest permanent value of these lands to the state, the State Forester shall maintain

these lands as forest lands and actively manage them in a sound environmental manner to provide

sustainable timber harvest and revenues to the state, counties, and local taxing districts. This

management focus is not exclusive of other forest resources, but must be pursued within a broader

management context that:

a) Results in a high probability of maintaining and restoring properly functioning aquatic habitats

for salmonids, and other native fish and aquatic life;

b) Protects, maintains, and enhances native wildlife habitats;

c) Protects soil, air, and water; and

d) Provides outdoor recreation opportunities.

The Oregon Constitution (Article VIII, Section 5) authorizes the State Land Board to manage Common

School Forest Lands “with the object of obtaining the greatest benefit for the people of this state,

consistent with the conservation of this resource under sound techniques of land management.”




According to a 1992 opinion of Oregon’s Attorney General, the “greatest benefit for the people”

standard requires the State Land Board to use the lands for schools and the production of income for

the Common School Fund. The resources of the lands are not limited to those such as timber that are

currently recognized as revenue generators for the Common School Fund. The Land Board should

consider other resources, such as minerals, water, and plant materials, that may offer revenue for the

fund. In addition, the Land Board may take management actions that reduce present income if these

actions are intended to maximize income over the long term.

Principle 2

The plan will recognize that ecosystem restoration and watershed health are among the key goals that

this plan must achieve, in a manner that is aligned with the policy direction for Board of Forestry and

Common School Forest Lands.

When the state acquired the northwest Oregon state forest lands, some lands had a legacy of repeated,

large‐scale wildfires, and other lands had already been extensively logged. Over the last several decades,

a massive restoration project has been accomplished across these state forest lands. The plan will

emphasize a continuing commitment to restoration activities, especially in the context of the decline of

salmonids and the vital contribution that these forests can make to the success of large‐scale regional

efforts like the Oregon Plan for Salmon and Healthy Watersheds.

Principle 3

The plan will be a comprehensive, integrated forest management plan taking into account a wide

range of forest values.

When we say that the plan will be comprehensive, we mean that it will include consideration of the

following commodity and amenity resources and issues.




• Agriculture and grazing

• Air quality

• Cultural resources

• Energy and minerals

• Fish and wildlife

• Forest condition (health and biodiversity)

• Land base and access

• Plants

• Recreation and scenic resources

• Social and economic issues

• Soils

• Special forest products

• Timber

• Water quality

• Water supply

• Wetlands

For each of these resources and issues, the plan will include:

• A description of the current condition of the resource or issue.

• A summary of the information known about the resource or issue.

• The management goals for development and/or protection of each resource.

• The strategies that will be used to accomplish the management goals.

An integrated plan provides for development and protection of forest resources across the landscape.

Single use focus is avoided. Compatible uses are emphasized.

Principle 4

The plan will be developed within the context of Northwest Oregon State Forests as managed forests.

The majority of northwest Oregon state forest lands are owned by the Board of Forestry. The statutes

governing management of Board of Forestry lands are contained in Oregon Revised Statutes, Chapter

530. Oregon Administrative Rules direct that these lands will be actively managed. Active management

means applying practices, over time and across the landscape, to achieve site‐specific forest resource

goals using an integrated and science‐based approach that promotes the compatibility of most forest

uses and resources over time and across the landscape.

The Oregon Constitution and the Admission Act of 1859 direct the State Land Board to manage the

Common School Forest Land with the object of obtaining the greatest benefit for the people of Oregon.

The primary goal is the generation of the greatest amount of income for the Common School Fund, an

educational trust for the benefit of all Oregon school children. This goal is discussed in more detail under

guiding principle 1. Timber harvest from all Common School Forest Lands managed by the Department

of Forestry has produced over $230 million for the Common School Fund over the past twenty years.




The Oregon Department of Forestry manages these lands under an agreement with the State Land

Board to prepare and carry out programs for the management, control, and protection of the Common

School Forest Lands.

Principle 5

The plan will acknowledge the protected and recognizable interest of the counties from which most of

the Board of Forestry Lands were originally derived.

Significant portions of the state forests were originally private lands that reverted to counties as tax‐

delinquent properties. Eventually these properties were deeded to the state with assurances that the

lands would be managed to produce revenue and the counties would share in the revenue that was

produced. The counties’ input and advice into the management of Board of Forestry lands is organized

through the Forest Trust Lands Advisory Committee, authorized by statute as an advisory committee to

the Board of Forestry.

Principle 6

The plan will recognize that the forest is intended to be an important contributor to timber supply for

present and future generations.

State forest lands in northwest Oregon represent approximately 8 percent of the forested area in

northwest Oregon, and are an important contributor to the timber supply for the next century. In

Clatsop and Tillamook Counties, state forest lands represent a much larger percentage of the

timbershed and will play a much more significant role in contributing to timber supply in these counties.

The majority of northwest Oregon state forests are second growth, created from early reforestation

efforts following harvesting and the Tillamook fires. The age class structure for northwest Oregon state

forests is dominated by the 35‐65 year age class (roughly 57 percent of the forest). The 65 plus age class

accounts for about 25 percent of the forests.

Principle 7

Lands will be identified and managed to provide for a sustained contribution, biological capability,

and economic and social values. The plan will recognize that there will be trade‐offs between

revenue‐producing activities and non‐revenue‐producing activities.

An important part of managing the northwest Oregon state forests is the concept of promoting healthy,

sustainable forest ecosystems that:

a) Produce timber and revenues for the state, counties, and local taxing districts;

b) Result in a high probability of maintaining and restoring properly functioning aquatic habitats for

salmonids, and other native fish and aquatic life;

c) Protect, maintain, and enhance native wildlife habitats;

d) Protect soil, air, and water; and,




e) Provide outdoor recreational opportunities.

As part of the planning process, existing inventories will be utilized and data collected on a number of

resources. The planning process will also evaluate the economic and social impacts of management

decisions and the overall role of state forests in local economies. As dictated by the statutory obligations

for these forests, the forests will be managed “so as to secure the greatest permanent value of such

lands to the state,” consistent with the guidance provided in the administrative rules. This management

will be consistent with sustainable ecosystem and social values, which include impacts to local

communities and amenity values on the forest.

Principle 8

The plan will examine opportunities to achieve goals through cooperative efforts with other agencies,

user groups, or organizations.

Management objectives can often be achieved more effectively and efficiently through collaboration

with others. An example of cooperative efforts already taking place is the relationship between the

Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife and the Department of Forestry. The two agencies work

together to provide increased forage for big game through forage seeding and pasture land

management, to reduce harassment of big game by closing roads, and to incorporate fish and wildlife

considerations in timber sale plans by working with local biologists.

Additional opportunities will be explored in the forest planning process to pursue cooperative efforts

with adjacent landowners, user groups (both commodity and amenity oriented groups), and other

individuals and groups who are interested in the management of northwest Oregon state forests.

Principle 9

Diverse input from a variety of interested parties, including user groups, business interests, adjacent

landowners, and the general public will be a high priority throughout the planning process.

Public involvement in the northwest Oregon state forests planning process is based on the concept that

inclusion and consideration of diverse viewpoints is critical to gaining public understanding, acceptance,

and support.

The goals for public involvement are:

• To seek insight, opinions, and data on planned management actions on northwest Oregon

state forest lands.

• To build understanding, acceptance, and support for the forest resource management

planning process and decisions.

• To offer information to the public about forest systems and forest stewardship.

• To provide the public with meaningful opportunities to comment and affect planning

decisions at a time when public involvement can contribute positively to the planning

decisions under consideration.




Principle 10

The plan will be goal‐driven.

A goal‐driven plan begins by defining overall management goals for the forest. Examples of overall goals

for the forest are found in these guiding principles. Once these have been established, then specific

goals can be developed for each resource. These specific goals spell out exactly what the vision is for the

development or protection of the resource.

In contrast, an issue‐driven plan begins by identifying concerns about existing management practices. It

then works to analyze and address those concerns. This is usually done by developing a series of

alternatives that deal with the issues in a piecemeal fashion. The problem with an issue‐driven process is

that it is easy to lose sight of the goals for managing the land. For this reason, the Northwest Oregon

State Forests Management Plan will be goal‐driven.

Principle 11

The plan will view northwest Oregon state forest lands in both a local and regional context.

Consistent with Oregon Administrative Rules and principles of good stewardship, planning will consider

different geographic scales. These will include the immediate physical area, the watershed level, and the

overall landscape, which may include other public and private ownerships.

In the area of northwest Oregon, approximately 54 percent of forest land is in public ownership. State

forests represent about 15 percent of that total. The forest must be viewed in context with these other

forest lands in the region. This view looks at both timber production and other resource issues.

For example, evaluation of the recreation resource will include an assessment of the types and

quantities of various recreation opportunities available on forest lands throughout northwest Oregon.

Based on this information, the appropriate role of state forest lands in providing specific recreation

opportunities will be determined and described in the goals and strategies developed.

Principle 12

The plan will consider the overall biological diversity of state forest lands, including the variety of life

and accompanying ecological process.

Oregon Administrative Rule 629‐035‐0000 defines biological diversity as “the genetic variation and the

abundance and variety of microbial, plant, and animal life, the range of ecological functions, and the

physical processes at any local or landscape scale.” This definition has been used throughout the

planning process. It emphasizes process and the interactions that lead to landscape, ecosystem, species,

and genetic diversity.

Managing for biological diversity requires managing at various levels of biological organization: species,

genetic variation within species, communities of organisms, and functional diversity. The final item,




functional diversity, includes the many processes in which organisms transfer energy with each other

and the physical environment.

Strategies for biological diversity must deal with resources at two spatial levels: the forest stand and the

broader landscape.

Managing for biological diversity also requires recognizing that certain concepts and many details of

managing ecosystems require further testing and refinement. Because we lack complete understanding,

an adaptive management approach is required that integrates management, research, and monitoring

to accomplish goals and objectives.

Principle 13

Northwest Oregon state forest lands will be managed to meet state and federal Endangered Species

Acts while fulfilling the Board of Forestry’s other statutory responsibilities. Management plans for

threatened or endangered species will seek to complement or supplement habitat provided by other

landowners to the extent that such provision of habitat is compatible with administrative rules

defining greatest permanent value.

The forest management plan must comply with all federal and state laws. Although many laws apply to

the management of state forest lands, legal requirements for protection of threatened or endangered

species are expected to have the most significant impacts.

The intent of the plan is to adopt management strategies that contribute to providing for the survival

and recovery of currently listed threatened and endangered species, and assist in preventing future

listings of other species. The fact is recognized, however, that northwest Oregon state forests are one

part of a larger landscape, and cannot by themselves provide sufficient habitat to guarantee the survival

or recovery of a species. When managing habitat conditions on northwest Oregon state forests,

planners should consider conditions on other public and private lands, in order to ensure that state

forest lands contribute to species recovery goals.

Principle 14

The plan will commit the Oregon Department of Forestry to using monitoring and research to

generate and utilize new information as it becomes available, and employ an adaptive management

approach to ensure that the best available knowledge is acquired and used efficiently and effectively

in forest resource management programs.

This plan will gather, for the first time, a wide range of available natural resources data for northwest

Oregon state forests. However, new information will continue to become available after the plan’s

completion. Some information will be the result of specific research activities, such as the retrospective

study for the northern spotted owl, which will provide demographic and habitat information. Other

information will be collected through ongoing work conducted by state agency resource specialists.




New information will also become available through monitoring. The Department of Forestry is

committed to an ongoing monitoring program.

As new information becomes available, the Department of Forestry will review and analyze its

applicability to the management of the forest. Management of the forest will be adapted in light of the

best available scientific knowledge.

VisionThe forest vision is a picture of the northwest Oregon state forests in the future. Like a mural painted on

the side of a building, the forest vision has many images, which together form one larger picture. The

forest described by the vision is that which the Oregon Department of Forestry feels will represent

attainment of “greatest permanent value” to the citizens of the state, as defined in statute and rule.

Achieving “greatest permanent value” means providing a full range of social, economic and ecological

benefits, and achieving a balance between short‐term and long‐term economic returns.

The forest vision represents an idealized view of the future, without the constraints of the current forest

condition. The strategies and implementation plans that follow will describe how each district can move

from the current forest condition toward this future forest, and do so in a manner that meets the short‐

term needs for timber and revenue generation. The forest vision is written in the present tense, as if we

are already in the future and actually looking at this idealized forest.

The forest described produces sustainable and predictable forest products that generate jobs and


described reduce economic risks by producing a diverse mix of stand structures and associated timber


The diversity of forest structures is enhanced over time, providing for a broad range of social values

important to Oregon citizens, including recreation. The diverse forest structures produced contribute to

the range of fish and wildlife habitats necessary for all native species, and contribute to broad

biodiversity. This forest will provide the range of forest conditions that will need to exist to achieve the

goals for all resources.

TheForestThe landscape has a broad range of forest structures and native tree species. The forest stands are

predominantly conifer, although hardwoods are intermixed in most stands. Some stands and drainages

are dominated by hardwoods. Typical stand structures are listed below.

Regeneration stands, i.e., young stands with newly established trees, grasses, herbs, and shrubs.

Stands in which the tree crowns have closed together, creating a closed canopy where very little light reaches the forest floor.

Stands with some openings in the canopies and some canopy layering; these stands have newly established shrubs, herbs, and shade‐tolerant trees in the understory.




Open stands that have significant understory development. Vigorous herbaceous and shrub communities combine with tree crowns to create multiple canopy layers. Tree crowns and shrubs create a complex vertical structure from the forest floor to the tops of the tallest trees.

Stands with large trees; multiple, deep canopy layers; substantial amounts of coarse woody debris; large snags; and other structures typically associated with older forests.

Well‐stocked, healthy, and vigorous forest stands are the rule. Insect and disease agents are present at

low levels, and are considered a normal part of a healthy forest. Insects, disease, minor windthrow,

other natural events and active management create gaps throughout the forest. Gaps are relatively

small openings within a stand, or small patches of a different vegetation type within a more general

stand type. Stands vary in size from a few acres to hundreds or even thousands of acres, and generally

have irregular shapes.

Hard and soft snags and down woody debris provide for soil productivity and habitat needs. Snags and

down logs are located in all stand types, but occur in significantly different amounts in individual stands.

Although the forest maintains the same general balance of structures over the landscape through time,

individual stands are changing continuously. This shifting mosaic of forest structures maintains vigorous

timber‐producing stands, contributes to the diversity of plant communities and wildlife habitats, and

enhances overall biodiversity throughout the forest. The diverse mix of habitats includes habitat for

species associated with older forest structures.

The forest contributes to the range of habitats needed by native fish and wildlife species in

northwestern Oregon. Although the locations of specific types of habitat may change over time, the

shifting forest mosaic provides an overall stability in the amount and distribution of various habitats.

Because the state forests contribute to this mosaic of habitats, the risk is significantly reduced that

species will become threatened or endangered due to forest habitat conditions.

Many recreational uses are available in the managed forest. Recreation occurs across the whole

landscape — in areas intensively managed for timber, as well as areas where little timber management

occurs. Specific sites or areas with low timber production capacity are managed primarily for public use

values, with timber as an incidental use.

Thinnings, partial cuts, and regeneration harvests produce a predictable and sustainable supply of

timber and revenue. Smaller diameter wood is produced from thinnings in the early stages of stand

development. High quality timber is produced through silvicultural techniques and harvested through

partial cuts and regeneration harvests. Timber harvest and silvicultural activities contribute to

employment in local communities, and to increased volumes of timber and more diverse wood products

flowing into local economies.

Riparian areas are dominated by stands of large conifers, with hardwoods flourishing on wetter sites.

Healthy herb and shrub communities are part of the riparian environment. Many snags and down logs

are found in and around streams. The riparian areas support a diversity of tree, plant, and animal

species. Diverse riparian conditions contribute to healthy aquatic habitat elements. Although the




specific locations of channels, deep pools, and other habitats shift over time, the mosaic of stream

habitats has an overall stability. High quality fish habitat exists in most areas.

ManagementPerspectiveThe forest is actively managed to produce the various stand types in much shorter time frames than

would occur in unmanaged stands. Management activities are scheduled to provide a sustainable flow

of timber and revenue while maintaining the desired array of forest structural conditions over time.

When natural events such as windstorms or fires affect forest structures, management activities are

adjusted as needed to maintain the desired ratio of forest conditions.

Stewardship — Oregon Department of Forestry employees carry out good stewardship of the forest and

its many resources efficiently and professionally. They coordinate with other state and federal agencies,

nongovernment organizations, neighboring landowners, and other interested individuals to achieve the

management goals for northwest Oregon state forests. The comprehensive management program is

adequately staffed.

Monitoring — The monitoring program is an integral part of forest management. Monitoring provides

feedback for adaptive management, ensuring that resource goals are being met, and that new

information is incorporated into planning at all levels.

“I have read many definitions of what is a conservationist, and written not a few

myself, but I suspect the best one is written not with a pen, but with an axe ... A

conservationist is one who is humbly aware that with each stroke he is writing his

signature on the face of his land. Signatures of course differ, whether written with

axe or pen, and this is as it should be.” (Aldo Leopold 1949)



18. Based on the assumption that land would be sold at a price sufficient to provide the same revenue flow(i.e., from investments) as from timber investments. For further discussion, see "Land Sale Revenues" inAppendix C: Economic Outcomes.

ESSA Science Report Tables

Subcommittee on Alternative Forest Management Plans | September 29, 2014 Attachment 5 Page 1 of 1


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