Oregon's New Secretary of State LaVonne Griffin-Valade has now directed the Oregon Elections Division to implement a new administrative rule, which she says provides guidance to candidates on Oregon's recent controversial Measure 113. She states that the new rule clarifies that Measure 113 disqualifies legislators with 10 or more unexcused absences during the 2023 legislative session from running for legislative seats in the 2024 election. Griffin-Valade says that this interpretation is consistent with legal advice provided to the Secretary of State by the Oregon Department of Justice.

“It is clear voters intended Measure 113 to disqualify legislators from running for reelection if they had 10 or more unexcused absences in a legislative session,” said Secretary Griffin-Valade. “My decision honors the voters’ intent by enforcing the measure the way it was commonly understood when Oregonians added it to our state constitution.”

Measure 113 states that 10 or more unexcused absences “shall disqualify the member from holding office as a Senator or Representative for the term following the election after the member’s current term is completed.” Some have suggested this language means a Senator who accumulated disqualifying absences in 2023 would be able to run in 2024 but be prohibited from running in 2028.

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The Secretary says she found no suggestion prior to enactment – in the voters’ pamphlet, media, or otherwise – that the measure was understood or intended to allow absent legislators to serve an additional term after accumulating too many absences, and then be disqualified the term after that.

Griffin-Valade says that the voters intended the measure to prohibit legislators from holding the next term in office, and the Secretary has chosen to uphold the voters’ intent and apply Measure 113 to the 2024 election.


--Ben Fisher

Post Date: 2023-08-08 15:43:55

Last Update: 2023-08-08 18:19:34

With heavy hearts, we share that a Forest Service firefighter employed by the Rogue River-Siskiyou National Forest was killed in an on-duty vehicle accident on August 4 near Powers, Oregon.

The fallen firefighter has been identified as Benjamin Charles Sapper, age 21. Benjamin, who was originally from Boulder, Colorado, was working as a first-year hand crew member on the Gold Beach Ranger District.

Benjamin graduated from Boulder High School and the University of Colorado with a Bachelor’s Degree in Applied Mathematics. Benjamin was an avid baseball player, chess player, and skier, and he loved engaging others in a wide array of topics including philosophy and mathematics.

He joined the Forest Service out of a desire to serve the community and be part of a great team. Benjamin was looking forward to starting graduate school this fall at the University of British Columbia in Earth Sciences. He was truly loved and will be missed.

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“This is a devastating loss of one of our own Gold Beach firefighters. We have a tight knit community on the Gold Beach and Powers Ranger Districts, and we stand together in grief and support for his family, friends, and fellow firefighters during this heartbreaking time,” said Gold Beach District Ranger Kailey Guerrant.

The US Forest Service states that any additional information on how to honor Benjamin will be shared as it becomes available.

The Forest Service has asked the media to respect the privacy of Benjamin's family and employees on the Gold Beach and Powers Ranger Districts at this difficult time.


--Bruce Armstrong

Post Date: 2023-08-06 11:08:14

Last Update: 2023-08-06 11:19:51

Over the course of three days Eugene City Police have responded to six overdose-related deaths. While the Lane County Medical Examiner determines the cause of death, in each case the Eugene Police say initial investigations suggest a connection to illicit drug use and likely connected to fentanyl use. This is a significant increase in deaths over a short period of time. The department stated that the public needs to be aware that some of the fentanyl currently circulating could be more potent and deadly than normal.

Case 23-11281: On August 2 at 12:46 a.m. police and fire were called to the location of a deceased subject behind a building. Evidence suggested they were using an illicit drug in the time leading up to their death.

Case 23-11353: On August 3 at 4:54 a.m. police and fire were called to the location of a deceased subject in an apartment. Evidence suggested they were using illicit drugs in the time leading up to their death.

Case 23-11438: On August 4 at 1:24 p.m police and fire were called to the location of a possibly deceased subject near a building. Emergency responders delivered Narcan however, the victim was not able to be revived. Evidence suggested they were using illicit drugs in the time leading up to their death.

Case 23-11465: on August 4 at 10:40 p.m. police and fire were called to the location of a deceased subject in a residence. Evidence suggested they were using illicit drugs in the time leading up to their death.

Case 23-11468: On August 5 at 12:22 a.m. police and fire were called to the location of a deceased subject in an RV. Emergency responders attempted to revive the victim but were unsuccessful. Evidence suggested they were using illicit drugs in the time leading up to their death.

Case 23-11477: On August 5 at 8;32 a.m. police and fire were called to the location of a possibly deceased subject in a residence. Evidence suggested they were using illicit drugs in the time leading up to their death.

The Eugene Police say that the community is seeing an increase in street drugs containing fentanyl, a powerful, illicit opioid with high risk for overdose. They say they have seen fentanyl contamination in cheap, counterfeit pills sold as common medications such as oxycodone, Adderall, or Xanax. They also have reports of fentanyl being found in white or colored powdered drugs that might be sold as cocaine, MDMA, or methamphetamine. It should be assumed that any illicit drug could contain fentanyl.

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Lane County Public Health warns against any pills not obtained from a pharmacy. They urge people who use illicit drugs to take precautions and to not use alone. They recommend anyone who uses drugs or knows someone who does, to carry Narcan (naloxone), an overdose reversal nasal spray. Individuals are able to test drugs for fentanyl with a fentanyl testing strip. It is also important to know the signs of an overdose and always call 911 immediately.

Eugene says that narcan is available at any pharmacy upon request. State Law requires pharmacists provide it and many insurance plans cover it. You can also obtain free Narcan and a brief training from HIV Alliance’s Eugene location during drop-in hours (Monday, Tuesday, Thursday 10a-2p, Friday 1p-5p).


--Bruce Armstrong

Post Date: 2023-08-05 12:37:29

Last Update: 2023-08-05 12:59:29

The Big Ten Conference voted Friday to accept Oregon effective August 2, 2024. The University of Oregon will remain in the Pac-12 Conference for the duration of the Pac-12's existing media rights agreements.

The move will benefit UO students and faculty, said University of Oregon President Karl Scholz, who, while dean and provost at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, helped shape and observed the benefits of the Big Ten Academic Alliance over the last decade.

With the future of the PAC 12 conference uncertain, Oregon taxpayers could be at risk, according to some. As the University of Oregon and the University of Washington are in talks with the Big 10 Conference about potential exit plans, questions remain about the impact on Oregon’s university system.

Representative Shelly Boshart Davis (R-Albany) is calling on House Speaker Dan Rayfield (D-Corvallis) to convene a legislative panel to understand the unintended consequences of the University of Oregon’s potential move away from the PAC 12.

“As a graduate of Oregon State and as a representative of a district that houses many OSU students, I am deeply concerned about the impacts on our state university system if the University of Oregon decides to leave the PAC 12," said Representative Boshart Davis. "There are many unanswered questions about what these moves mean for Oregonians beyond just the ending of one of the nation’s longest-running rivalry football games. If one of our major universities is going to make a unilateral decision that could impact Oregon’s budget, we should at least understand the full impacts. At the most, the people’s representatives should have a say.”

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“The University of Washington estimates increased travel costs to Big 10 venues to be around $10 million. It is unclear how a similar increase in costs for the Ducks would be paid for. Will the Legislature be expected to ask taxpayers to fill that gap? How will these increased travel times impact student-athletes and their academic performance?” continued Representative Boshart Davis. “How will a depleted PAC 12 impact OSU’s revenue? It’s hard to imagine how the Beavers will make up lost revenue.”

University of Oregon Director of Intercollegiate Athletics Rob Mullens, looked for continued competition with Oregon State University. "In coming years, the UO will prioritize the long-held traditions, including competition across all sports with Oregon State University. The alliance puts UO student-athletes on a national stage," said Mullens.

Representative Boshart Davis summarized her feelings. “As legislators, we must ensure government entities like the public university system does not overly burden taxpayers. We need to have all the information before a decision is made.”


--Staff Reports

Post Date: 2023-08-05 12:05:51

Governor Kotek has signed HB 2426 into law, allowing Oregonians to choose between self-service and service from an attendant at gas stations statewide.

Polling has consistently shown that over two-thirds of Oregonians support choice at the pump. In 2020, 2021, and 2022, the Oregon State Fire Marshall temporarily lifted the self-service ban statewide during public health emergencies.

In 2015, legislators changed the law for fuel retailers and drivers by voting to allow self-serve gas during nighttime hours in rural and coastal counties. In 2017, legislators expanded this to all hours in rural counties. In 2020, 2021and 2022, Oregon's fire marshal lifted the ban on self-service multiple times statewide due to emergencies such as wildfires or heat waves. HB 2426 will simplify this patchwork of rules for all Oregonians. Representative Shelly Boshart Davis (R-Albany) is a Co-Chief Sponsor of this legislation and has led the fight to create this change in Oregon law for the past few years.

"I am thrilled to see this legislation signed into law. Not only do Oregonians want the freedom to choose whether they can pump their own gas, but this also provides critical relief to small businesses struggling with the ongoing labor shortage," said Representative Boshart Davis. "This legislation provides a common-sense solution by protecting gas attendants' jobs and Oregonians' access to fuel. I want to thank House Majority Leader Fahey (D- West Eugene & Veneta), Senator Bonham (R- The Dalles), and Senator Sollman (D-Hillsboro) for their bi-partisan commitment to this effort."

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For some, the state prohibition on self-serve gas helped to provide jobs. But Mike Freese with the Oregon Fuels Association provided testimony in committee during the last legislative session to the contrary, saying "finding employees to pump gas is extremely hard -- and even impossible in some cases -- which in turn makes it impossible to keep gas stations open and operating. HB 2426 helps relieve pressure in this tight labor market

Not everyone like the change. Scott Bartlett from Eugene, a former Legislative Assistant offered testimony, saying "This Committee should hear from Senior advocates, older women's advocates, disability specialists, paralyzed veterans' spokespersons and metro area residents who will be adversely impacted by this narrow and inadequately conceived Special Interest tailored proposal. Having hundreds of thousands of Oregonians often forced to pump their own gas while congested lines of cars seeking preferred assisted service vastly outnumber self-service customers is poor public policy."

Advocates for the bill have created a website with more information on self-serve gas in Oregon.


--Staff Reports

Post Date: 2023-08-05 11:35:21

Last Update: 2023-08-05 12:05:51

Governor Tina Kotek hosted a signing ceremony for seven bills passed during the 2023 legislative session to support K-12 public education and child care.

Her support of educators -- as distinct from supporting education or students -- is not surprising as they pumped over $1M into her most recent campaign.

“My vision for Oregon is a state where every child has a safe place to receive a high-quality, culturally responsive public education, and every family has access to affordable child care,” Governor Kotek said. “While I will always push for more, I can stand here today saying we made progress for our kids. We have built a strong foundation for the work ahead.”

Below is the list of bills Governor Kotek signed:

• SB 283: Addresses educator workforce needs by creating a statewide educator workforce data system and regular workforce surveys, allowing school districts to boost pay for teachers and classified staff working in special education, establishing apprenticeship and mentorship grants, allowing recently retired teachers to convert to substitute licenses at no charge, and more.
• SB 1050: Grants funding to the Oregon Department of Education to provide professional development to teachers and administrators relating to Holocaust, genocide studies, and ethnic studies content standards.
• HB 2281: Requires district school boards to designate one or more civil rights coordinators to monitor, coordinate, and oversee district compliance with state and federal anti-discrimination laws and oversee investigations of discrimination complaints.
• HB 3005: Aims to increase child care availability by creating a new $50 million Child Care Infrastructure Fund to strengthen access to physical infrastructure for child care facilities and support opening child care facilities across Oregon.
• HB 3144: Creates the Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander Student Success Plan to address the academic opportunity gap hurting NH/PI students.
• HB 3198: Increases funding for early literacy to improve how children are taught to read and write, ensuring educators, parents, caregivers, federally-recognized Tribes, and communities have what they need to support students.
• HB 5015: Allocates a historic $10.2 billion to the State School Fund (base funding for Oregon’s K-12 schools), which is $700 million above current service level and the most ever allocated to the fund.
  --Staff Reports
  
  

  Post Date: 2023-08-05 06:41:45

  Last Update: 2023-08-05 01:04:49

  
  

Oregon's Governor Tina Kotek has now provided a list of policy bill and line-item budget vetoes from the 2023 legislative session. Accompanying this list of vetoes are signing letters for bills passed in the final days of the legislative session. Many observers were left wondering throughout the early summer whether they would finally be allowed to pump one's own gas, or not.

“I am grateful to the Legislature for advancing hundreds of bills that will improve the everyday lives of Oregonians, and I look forward to the work ahead to ensure effective implementation,” Governor Kotek said. “After a thorough deliberation, including conversations with lawmakers, proponents, my advisors and legal team, I am moving forward on vetoing the list of bills and budget items I provided notice for last week. Additionally, I am sharing several signing letters with legislators and the public that raise specific concerns and affirm my values as we move forward on implementation.”

Following the conclusion of the legislative session, Governor Kotek had 30 business days to consider pending legislation.

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Friday marked the final day before the deadline. On July 28, pursuant to Article V, section 15b, of the Oregon Constitution, Governor Kotek provided notice to the Legislature of the handful of policy bills and budget items she was considering vetoing. The full list of bills and budget items, including the reason for her decision, was the focus of a recent Northwest Observer article.

The following bills were accompanied by signing letters: HB 2010, HB 2426, HB 2772, HB 3561, HB 5026, SB 80, SB 283, SB 488, SB 1089, SB 1095 (explanation of line-item veto for emergency clause). Additionally, HB 3440 and SB 5535 will become law without the Governor’s signature.


--Ben Fisher

Post Date: 2023-08-04 10:05:27

Last Update: 2023-08-04 22:02:12

Oregon's Governor Tina Kotek has now announced that Juliana Wallace will join her administration as Behavioral Health Initiative Director in the Oregon Governor’s Office. Kotek's office says that Wallace will start in the Governor’s Office on September 5th, 2023

It is well known that Oregon is currently suffering from perhaps the worst behavioral mental health challenges in the country. These problems often are deeply intertwined with dismal education results of recent years and the crime and public drug use problems of late, which frustrates many Oregonians.

Kotek says that the new Behavioral Health Initiative Director Wallace brings a combined two decades of experience as a clinical social worker, operational leader, and educator to the role.

She states that for the first 10 years of her career in Portland, Wallace worked with homeless youth at Outside In, developing and managing the StreetRISE Project, a federally-funded program providing housing and behavioral healthcare to homeless youth as they transition into adulthood. She later worked in leadership at Oregon Health & Science University before serving as the Director of Services at Unity Center for Behavioral Health.

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Wallace was most recently the Senior Director of Mental Health and Culturally Specific Services at Central City Concern.

Additionally, she worked as an adjunct professor at the Portland State University School of Social Work for the last five years. Wallace is also on two local nonprofit boards.

"Oregonians deserve a coordinated, accessible behavioral health system that meets them where they are and matches them with the appropriate level of care that they need,” Governor Kotek said. “We have a ways to go to achieve this vision, and I am grateful that Juliana is bringing her years of experience and expertise to help us move this critical work forward."


--Ben Fisher

Post Date: 2023-08-03 12:29:31

Last Update: 2023-08-04 14:30:10

A federal grand jury in Portland, Oregon has now returned an indictment charging a Klamath Falls, Oregon, man with kidnapping and sexually assaulting a Seattle woman and forcing her into a makeshift cell he constructed in his garage. This is not a good look for Oregon, as recent news headlines include other atrocities, including a suspected serial killer now in custody, who had been released from prison early by the former Governor Kate Brown.

Negasi Zuberi, 29, also known as Sakima, Justin Hyche, and Justin Kouassi, has been charged with interstate kidnapping and transporting an individual across state lines with intent to engage in criminal sexual activity.

According to court documents, on July 15, 2023, Zuberi was in Seattle when he is alleged to have posed as a police officer, pointed a taser at an adult woman, placed her in handcuffs, and forced her into the backseat of his vehicle. Zuberi then transported the woman approximately 450 miles back to his home in Klamath Falls, stopping along the way to sexually assault her and cover her face with a sweatshirt.

When Zuberi arrived at his residence, he moved the woman from his vehicle into a makeshift cell he had constructed in his garage. The woman repeatedly banged on the cell door until it broke open and she escaped. She retrieved a handgun from Zuberi’s vehicle, fled his garage, and flagged down a passing motorist who called 911.

The next day, on July 16, 2023, two Nevada State Patrol officers located Zuberi in a retail parking lot in Reno, Nevada. After a short standoff, Zuberi surrendered to law enforcement and was taken into custody.

On July 26, 2023, Zuberi made his first appearance in federal court before a U.S. Magistrate Judge in the District of Nevada. He was ordered detained pending his transfer to the District of Oregon.

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Interstate kidnapping is punishable by up to life in federal prison and transporting an individual across state lines with intent to engage in criminal sexual activity is punishable by up to 10 years in federal prison.

This case was investigated by the FBI Portland Field Office, Klamath Falls Police Department, and Oregon State Police with assistance from the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Nevada; Klamath County District Attorney’s Office; Reno, Nevada Police Department; Washoe County, Nevada District Attorney’s Office; and Nevada State Police. Assistant U.S. Attorney John C. Brassell is prosecuting the case for the District of Oregon.

The U.S. Attorney's Office states that an indictment is only an accusation of a crime, and a defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

Zuberi has lived in ten different states over the last ten years including California, Washington, Oregon, Colorado, Utah, Florida, New York, New Jersey, Alabama, and Nevada, and federal law enforcement has reason to believe he may have victimized additional women.

If you or someone you know have information about possible crimes committed by Zuberi, please visit the FBI website that is dedicated to seeking Information on the Negasi Zuberi (Sakima) Investigation or call 1-800-Call-FBI.


--Bruce Armstrong

Post Date: 2023-08-03 09:26:29

Last Update: 2023-08-03 17:36:42

Oregon House Republican Caucus sent a letter to Governor Kotek urging the immediate review of all commutations granted by former Oregon Governor, Kate Brown. This letter comes just one week after U.S. Representatives Chavez-DeRemer (OR-05) and Bentz (OR-02) made a similar request.

House Republican lawmakers stated their appreciation for Governor Kotek’s action in ending the commutation of Jesse Lee Calhoun who is now a person of interest in the killing of at least four women in the Portland Metro area – but stated it is not enough.

“The unprecedented commutations undertaken by Governor Brown bypassed many of the existing safeguards that are in place for our current parole and probation system,” the lawmakers wrote. “House Republicans encourage you to do the right thing for Oregonians and give these commutations the due diligence they should have received in the first place.”

House Republicans concluded the letter by calling on Governor Kotek to follow through on the promises she made when taking office.

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“This is a great opportunity for you to show leadership and the integrity of the office you have often stated you want to bring to your administration,” wrote the lawmakers.


--Staff Reports

Post Date: 2023-08-03 06:52:46

Last Update: 2023-08-01 14:59:30

Governor Tina Kotek issued Executive Order 23-12 on May 23, 2023, which “establishes a goal of ensuring that every elementary teacher in an Oregon educator preparation program is provided with explicit, research-aligned instruction on how to teach all students to read and write, including students with disabilities and students who are emerging bilingual.”

The Order goes on to appoint an Early Literacy Educator Preparation Council to develop recommendations to strengthen standards that the Teacher Standards and Practices Commission (TSPC) uses to approve elementary educator preparation programs and license elementary educators. The order reads more like a legislative task force setting out the development of standards for literacy instruction and an action plan for implementation with timelines for implementation, at which time the council ceases. This termination deadline makes it a task force versus a permanent council.

Further, the order includes instruction for students with disabilities and students who are emerging bilingual. However, the 20-member council lacks experts in school psychology to provide the analysis needed for students that are challenged, or what stimulates the mind at certain age levels to advance reading and writing development. This is different from the outward approach of how to teach that literacy experts bring.

Perhaps the council wouldn’t have been needed if experts in mind development had been heard when Common Core was adopted. For instance, what if cursive writing had not been eliminated from the curriculum? Learning to write in cursive directly impacts cognitive development, as it trains the brain to learn functional specialization that integrates both sensation, movement control, and thinking.

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The Governor announced council members, including teachers, principals, representatives from education preparation programs, early literacy experts, and bipartisan appointments from the Oregon House and Senate:

• Ronda Fritz and Susan Gardner will serve as co-chairs. The full council roster is listed below. Executive: Governor Kotek or her designee
• Senators (appointed by Senate President Rob Wagner): Michael Dembrow (D-Portland) and Suzanne Weber (R-Tillamook)
• Representatives (appointed by House Speaker Dan Rayfield): Ben Bowman (D-Tigard) and Boomer Wright (R-Coos Bay)
• Public Educator Preparation Program Representatives: Ronda Fritz (Eastern Oregon University) and Susan Gardner (Oregon State University)
• Private Educator Preparation Program Representative: Katie Danielson (University of Portland)
• Early Literacy Experts: Julie Esparza Brown (Portland State University), Anita Archer, and Mikkaka Overstreet (Education Northwest)
• Licensed Teacher Representatives: Shahnaz Sahnow (Literacy Specialist - Corvallis School District) and Julie Ragan (Lebanon Community Unit School District)
• Elementary Principal Small District Representative: Heidi Brown (Crow-Applegate-Lorane School District)
• Elementary Principal Large District Representative: Jennifer Whitten (Beaverton School District)
• Tribal Representative: Valerie Switzler (Confederated Tribe of Warm Springs)
• Teacher Standards and Practices Commission (TSPC) Director: Anthony Rosilez
• Higher Education Coordinating Commission (HECC) Director: Ben Cannon
• Oregon Department of Education (ODE) Director: Dr. Charlene Williams (interim)
• Educator Advancement Council (EAC) Director: Sara Spencer (interim)

The TSPC will use the Council's recommendations, which must align with the Oregon Department of Education’s (ODE) Early Literacy Framework for kindergarten through fifth grade, to adopt new rules next year. The Council must also develop recommendations to revise elementary educator licensing requirements and develop an implementation plan and timeline to ensure that the educator preparation program faculty have what they need to be able to operationalize the new standards.

Along with the formation of the Council, Governor Kotek worked with Rep. Jason Kropf (D-Bend) during the 2023 legislative session to develop House Bill 3198, which increases funding for early literacy to improve how Oregon schools and community groups teach kids to read and write.

Governor Kotek said, “I am grateful that these issue experts have come forward to support our students and educators. My executive order was structured to bring together leaders with a wide range of perspectives with the common goal of better supporting children’s ability to read and write. I look forward to working with the Council on enhancing our literacy preparation standards.”


--Donna Bleiler

Post Date: 2023-08-02 12:34:45

Last Update: 2023-08-01 15:49:54

It has now been announced that the Malheur, Umatilla and Wallowa-Whitman (Blue Mountains) National Forests have initiated the process to revise the Land Management Plans (Forest Plans), which provide the overall strategic management direction and guidance for the Blue Mountains National Forests. The US Forest Service says that revising these Forest Plans represents a commitment to managing productive and sustainable forests for the American people.

A recent publication in the Federal Register initiates the assessment phase, which is the first phase of the Forest Plan Revision process under the 2012 Planning Rule.

The purpose of the assessment phase is to gather existing relevant information on Forest conditions and trends and use this information to rapidly evaluate the sustainability of existing ecological, economic, and social conditions and trends within the context of the broader landscape.

The evaluation will result in a document (referred to as the assessment) that will be the foundation for the Forest Service’s work on developing the revised Forest Plans. In addition, as required by the 2012 Planning Rule, Forest Service staff are developing a preliminary proposed list for Species of Conservation Concern (SCC) and inventories for Wilderness and Wild and Scenic Rivers.

The Forest Service says that they are eager to hear input on Tribal, individual, and community values. Public involvement will help the Forest Service gain local knowledge about existing forest conditions and understand concerns about community or resource impacts from proposed changes in the revised Forest Plans.

The Forest Service will provide recurring opportunities during the assessment phase for the public to learn about the Forest Plan Revision process, ask questions and provide feedback. Currently the public is invited to participate through the following opportunities:

• Open Houses: These will be unstructured information sessions designed to offer an opportunity for the public to learn about the revision process and assessment phase through conversations and informational materials, provide one-on-one discussion between participants and Forest Service staff, and venues for the public to submit comments.



• Commenting Maps: These maps are available in hardcopy at each Forest Service office and digitally on the new Blue Mountains Forest Plan Revision interactive story map website. Input provided will help inform management needs that will guide the Forest Plan Revision process by providing context around places of importance, landscape benefits, and inform the need for change within the planning process.



• Public Engagement Survey: The Forest Service is seeking input on future public engagement opportunities for the agency to consider throughout the Forest Plan Revision process. Visit the website to provide feedback to the team.



• Contact the Team: The Forest Service welcomes questions, comments, and feedback at any time. Blank comment forms are available at each Forest Service office and on the Blue Mountains Forest Plan Revision website. In addition, the public can send an email to the team directly.

Additional engagement opportunities may be added and will be announced at that time and posted on the Blue Mountains Forest Plan Revision website. The website also includes information regarding the overall Forest Plan Revision process, including opportunities for engagement throughout each phase.

A draft of the assessment, proposed SCC list, Wilderness inventories and Wild and Scenic River inventories will be shared for public input prior to moving forward to the next phase of the process, which is plan development.

Once complete, the assessment is used to help identify the need to change the existing plan, and to inform the development of plan components and other content.

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The Blue Mountains National Forests include approximately 5.5 million acres of National Forest System lands in northeast Oregon and southeast Washington. The Blue Mountains National Forests are operating under Forest Plans that were signed in the 1990s. Multiple uses provided by the National Forests (including livestock grazing, timber harvest, forest recreation, tourism, and subsistence activities) are all important to economic and social life in the Blue Mountains area. Revising the Forest Plans will provide an updated framework to guide forest management that considers current science and local economic, social, and environmental conditions.

The Forest Service previously attempted to revise the Blue Mountains Forest Plans with a planning effort that spanned 15 years. Ultimately, the Forest Service withdrew the Blue Mountains Revised Forest Plans and Final Environmental Impact Statement in March 2019, before the plans were finalized and implemented.

Afterward, Forest Service leadership from the Pacific Northwest Regional Office and the Malheur, Umatilla and Wallowa-Whitman National Forests met with local elected leaders to better understand concerns and identify opportunities to approach forest planning and management in a new way.

Apparently, the participants seemed to recognize the need to identify common ground and work together at a larger scale, which included working with other government entities within and surrounding the Blue Mountains geographic area that were most impacted by the Forest Plans. The various government entities within and surrounding the Blue Mountains geographic area officially came together and formed the Blues Intergovernmental Council (BIC) in November 2019.

The BIC developed desired conditions for Forest Service consideration on several key issues in the withdrawn Blue Mountains Forest Plans, including livestock grazing, fisheries, hydrology, forest health, access, and socioeconomics. The BIC-endorsed desired conditions were provided to the Forest Service as recommendations and will serve as a baseline to be further informed during the assessment phase by public engagement, as well as Tribal and agency consultation, throughout the plan revision process. Where feasible, the Forest Service says it will also use relevant analyses from the withdrawn revised plans.

By reinitiating plan revision, the Forest Service says they aim to develop durable Forest Plans that balance the ecological needs of the landscape with the economic and social needs of the communities that depend on them. The Forest Service states that having a framework that incorporates local knowledge and input is an integral part of this process and the public’s input will help ensure sustainability of the Forests well into the future.

Additional information about the Forest Plan Revision process, documents, and the story map is available on the Blue Mountains Forest Plan Revision website.


--Ben Fisher

Post Date: 2023-08-02 10:57:35

Last Update: 2023-08-02 11:34:54