Oregon Timber: Wyden Says BLM Plan Shows Need for Congressional Action

A new proposal from the Bureau of Land Management that they say will increase timber harvest and environmental protection in Western Oregon forests doesn't do enough, says Senator Ron Wyden.

The BLM says their plan "will increase job growth, tourism and recreation, and timber harvest, while offering strong protections for the northern spotted owl, listed fish species, and water resources."

Wyden says the plan just shows the need for congressional action.

"While I appreciate the BLM’s latest attempt to update forest management in Western Oregon, the reality is only legislation can provide the certainty necessary to sustainably increase the timber harvest and protect clean water," Wyden said

"It seems to me legislation is the only way to take this discussion out of the courtroom and actually create jobs, protect Oregon’s treasures and improve the health of our forests."

Wyden's legislation was passed out of the Senate Energy Committee but he says it has been passed from moving forward by the House Republicans.