Timber Bills

In earlier posts, I've tried to keep up with efforts regarding the O & C lands.  A recent article brings us up to date on national efforts including upcoming hearings in Washington DC

http://www.registerguard.com/rg/news/local/31079695-75/lands-bill-oregon-senate-timber.html.csp

We are seeing action on timber lands being taken in the Oregon Legislature for the upcoming 2014, short session.  A local reader shared this with me:

Dave,

 

I wanted to pass along three bills being introduced in the 2014 Oregon legislature.  These bills, if passed, would have major effects and impacts on forest, farm-forest, and other lands throughout Oregon.  Below are the three bills, and attached is a brief "talking-points" draft for SB 1575.  

 

The short legislative session is scheduled February 3 - March 9.  Schedule and other information can be found at the Oregon Legislature site ( http://www.oregonlegislature.gov/ ). 

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Here are the introduced Bills:

 

Senate Bill 1575 -  sponsored by Senator Chuck Thomsen

https://olis.leg.state.or.us/liz/2014R1/Measures/Text/SB1575/Introduced

 

Summary:  Allows establishment in forest zone or mixed farm and forest zone of facility for utilizing raw logs. 

 

House Bill 4153 -   co-sponsored by Representative Mark Johnson https://olis.leg.state.or.us/liz/2014R1/Measures/Text/HB4153/Introduced

 

and companion bill:

 

Senate Bill 1578 -  co-sponsored by Senator Chuck Thomsen  

https://olis.leg.state.or.us/liz/2014R1/Measures/Text/SB1578/Introduced

Summary:   Authorizes cities and counties to adopt ordinances for expedited siting of industrial, manufacturing, or natural resource facilities in areas of high unemployment.  (Declared an emergency)

SB 1575 and HB 4153 appears to be a direct response the assist Mark Fritch Log Homes to continue to operate at that current location although the Hearings Officer for Clackamas County and the State Land Use Board of Appeals have denied the permit application.  Of course, the broad language and being a state wide bill, its passing could have a significant impact in all of Oregon.