TIMBER DOMINATES NEW BOARD

The Oregon Board of Forestry is composed of seven members of the public.  No more than three can receive significant income from the timber industry.  The other four must not have any interest that interferes with their representing the public interest.

Until spring of 2009, for decades the Board was composed largely of timber-oriented members, but it operated by consensus, which tempered policies.

In April of 2009, new Chair John Blackwell declared an end to consensus, and the Board moved to majority rule. 

In June of 2009, the Board then voted to dramatically weaken the protections for fish and wildlife on the state forests.

The heavy timber bias of the current Board augurs poorly for balanced forest management in Oregon.