Dear Governor Kitzhaber, the Oregon Board of Forestry, and other Oregon elected officials,

The Tillamook and Clatsop State Forests are owned by all Oregonians, and state law mandates a long-term and balanced approach that protects clean water, restores salmon habitat, and provides recreation.

To achieve this balance, the Board of Forestry is considering the designation of visible and durable forest conservation areas. We support that approach.

Visible and durable conservation areas will sustain important parts of Oregon’s economy – including our many jobs connected to fisheries, tourism, water quality, and outdoor recreation.

Of special concern are areas with risks of landslides that endanger homes, roads, water quality, and salmon streams.

The Board of Forestry should designate visible and durable conservation areas:

     · to protect water quality and restore habitat for native fish and wildlife;

     · to protect special recreation areas from clear cutting and road construction;

     · to ensure a very cautious approach to areas where active management can increase landslides risk.

Long-term forest conservation areas are an essential part of ensuring a healthy forest legacy to future generations.

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