The Oregon Department of Forestry invites you to a virtual meeting open to the public on Monday, July 13 to learn more about a potential Habitat Conservation Plan for state forestlands west of the Cascades. Due to COVID-19 exposure concerns, this will be a virtual-only meeting to ensure everyone’s health and welfare.
Please RSVP: This meeting is open to the public and is primarily intended for those with an interest in management of Oregon’s forests. We ask that you please RSVP by clicking here.
As part of the stakeholder engagement process, we invite you to this meeting to hear updates on the Western Oregon HCP effort, ask questions, provide your perspective, and speak with participating agencies and staff involved in the effort. The meeting is an opportunity to learn about the aquatic and terrestrial conservation strategies developed to protect covered threatened and endangered species on state forest lands over the lifetime of the HCP.
This is one of many opportunities to engage in the HCP and is meant to provide an update to the process. Please note that the Elliott State Forest is not part of this process because it is no longer managed by ODF.
Date and Time: Monday, July 13 from 1-4 p.m. The meeting will include:
o 1-3 p.m: Updates on the development of the HCP, presentations, and Q&A/discussion periods.
o 3-4 p.m: Informal discussion period with meeting participants to discuss topics of most interest to participants.
Where: Please see below the webinar and call-in information.
·To view and participate in the webinar, go to: https://odf.zoom.us/j/94494505473 from your computer.
·For quality audio, please call in from your phone using the following call-in information:
·Dial: 253-215-8782
·Meeting ID: 944 9450 5473
Webinar Recording: A post-meeting recording will be posted on the ODF YouTube channel.
Background:
Oregon’s state forests provide habitat for a variety of species, including some listed as endangered or threatened under the federal Endangered Species Act. An HCP can serve as a more holistic and cost-effective way to comply with the Endangered Species Act. The Board of Forestry has directed the ODF to consider an HCP. ODF is currently underway with the HCP process, in collaboration with technical and policy guidance from other state and federal agencies. ODF is also seeking stakeholder engagement in this early phase of HCP consideration.
More information: More information is available online at the ODF website or by contacting Cindy Kolomechuk at 503-945-7731 or Cindy.KOLOMECHUK@oregon.gov.