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Introduction for Sept. 29th Materials Page 1 of 4
Forest Management Planning Alternatives:
DRAFT Options Package
Board of Forestry Subcommittee
September 29, 2014
BACKGROUND
The Oregon Board of Forestry concluded in 2012 that the current approach for managing state‐owned
forestlands was not financially viable. A Board of Forestry subcommittee was formed to address these
financial viability issues, and outcomes included directing the State Forests Division to examine
alternatives to the current Forest Management Plan (FMP) for Northwest Oregon. The Board further
directed the Financial Viability Subcommittee to refocus on the FMP Alternatives project with “twin
goals” to develop a new forest management plan that is both produces financially viable and improves
conservation outcomes in state forestlands.
Several items flowed from this charge, and include:
Financial Viability Subcommittee Workgroup and final report;
FMP Alternatives Board Subcommittee: established Policy Sideboards and Criteria for Success,
approved processes for stakeholder input, a building‐blocks process and potential components
of a forest management plan; report‐out at every Board of Forestry meeting;
Ongoing outreach and public involvement such as community roundtable events, the State
Forests Online Community, a comprehensive public survey coming in October, and a report
capturing these conversations and input (living document);
Alternative Sources of Revenue: Final Report;
Stakeholder Group Process: Several Alternatives to the Current FMP, Final Report from Meridian
Institute including Review by Forest Trust Lands Advisory Committee and State Forests Advisory
Committee;
External Science Panel: Final Science Assessment of Stakeholder Group Proposals;
ODF Project Team with members from Oregon Department of Forestry, US Fish and Wildlife
Service, ODFW, and National Marine Fisheries Service: ongoing feedback and review of
products, DRAFT Options, and future modeling and refinement;
These items have been packaged and synthesized to direct and help formulate two DRAFT Options for
Alternative Forest Management Plan Board Subcommittee consideration at their September 29th 2014
meeting (web links to final documents provided with meeting announcement materials).
DRAFT OPTIONS
Two DRAFT Options are intended to address the twin goals of financial viability and improved
conservation outcomes. These DRAFT Options include a Landscape Management Approach and a Land
Allocation Approach. Both are described in attached documents and briefly described below.
Landscape Management DRAFT Option: The Landscape Management approach builds upon structure‐
based management and conservation designations set forth in the current FMP and the “FMP 2.1”
stakeholder proposal. Forest biodiversity will be promoted through active and passive management,
Subcommittee on Alternative Forest Management Plans | September 29, 2014 AGENDA ITEM 8 Attachment 2 Page 1 of 35
Introduction for Sept. 29th Materials Page 2 of 4
including the development of a range of seral stages characterized as “Structure Types.” The structure
targets found in the current Northwest Oregon FMP (2010; Table 1) may require adjustment to meet
financial and conservation goals. A range of silvicultural prescriptions will be used to maximize volume
and value of products as well as habitat over the long‐term. Transitioning to the new plan will vary by
district.
Land Allocation DRAFT Option: The Land Allocation approach will be used to designate forestlands into
zones, primarily for timber harvest production and conservation. This Option builds upon the “70/30”
stakeholder proposal. While the lands will be allocated for the primary attainment of either
conservation or economic benefits, there will be conservation benefits within the production zone and
there will be active management in the conservation zone consistent with conservation goals. As with
the stakeholder proposal, this DRAFT Option presents only 2 management allocations. Additional
allocation zone types could be defined to provide for a range of production or conservation zones. This
DRAFT Option also describes a conservation measure to develop young complex forests on a small
subset of young stands in either the conservation or production zones.
Conservation Measures for Both Options: Currently one common set of overarching conservation
measures accompany each of the DRAFT Options. These measures include but are not limited to: pursue
a Habitat Conservation Plan, conservation of habitat for Northern Spotted Owls and Marbled murrelets,
stream buffers, wildlife trees, downed wood, snags, road influence on water quality and habitat, slope
stability, monitoring and research, and a conservation/recreation fund.
MEETING THE TWIN GOALS
Enhanced Financial Viability
Financial viability would be enhanced with the DRAFT Land Allocation Option by managing across district
boundaries, efficiencies gained through the explicit allocation of production zones, and the use of a
range of silvicultural approaches to maximize volume and value of products in that production zone.
Financial viability would be enhanced with the DRAFT Landscape Management Option by managing
across district boundaries, removal of complex structure targets from the Willamette Region districts,
and using a range of silvicultural approaches to maximize volume and value in areas that are not on a
path for complex structure.
Improved Conservation Outcomes
Improved conservation outcomes are similar for each of the two DRAFT Options. Improved conservation
associated with strategies applied in both DRAFT Options include a separation of retained green trees
from Riparian Management Areas which will increase the effectiveness of retained green trees and
foster a variety of leave tree patterns across harvest units; optimize terrestrial anchors with regard to
the number, size and spatial arrangement; wider no‐harvest riparian buffers and riparian harvest only to
improve riparian function; enhancement of complex early seral habitat (unique to DRAFT Land
Allocation Option), and improvements to road best‐management practices.
A potential conservation benefit unique to the DRAFT Land Allocation Option is the explicit and durable
allocation of conservation on at least 30% of the landscape. This differs from the DRAFT Landscape
Subcommittee on Alternative Forest Management Plans | September 29, 2014 AGENDA ITEM 8 Attachment 2 Page 2 of 35
Introduction for Sept. 29th Materials Page 3 of 4
Management Option that adopts a “floating reserve” (shifting mosaic) approach. An additional
conservation benefit associated with the DRAFT Landscape Management is the development of complex
structure over time and across the landscape.
Establishment of the State Forests Foundation Fund, common to both DRAFT Options, can enhance
environmental, economic and social benefits. The vision is to establish a fund which allows for the
Department to accept contributions (rather than funding through the Forest Development Fund) to be
used for conservation or recreation projects. It could also be used to enhance adaptive management
and monitoring of fish, wildlife, and water quality, as well as, increase the feasibility of ongoing research
on the effects of forest management on biodiversity.
SIMILARITIES AND DIFFERENCES BETWEEN OPTIONS
Similarities: As stated above, both DRAFT Options propose a common set of conservation measures
listed above. Also, in many instances, the DRAFT Options provide a “numeric range” or a proposal to
“evaluate” or “consider” revisions. The intention is to begin more detailed modeling on these topics
after receiving Subcommittee (September 29) and full Board direction (November 5th).
Differences: The DRAFT Options depart in the way they address upland management decisions. The
DRAFT Landscape Management Option is based on an integrated approach to harvest and conservation
in which both are being considered when making harvest decisions. These goals are integrated across
the landscape. Development of complex structure, which can shift over time and across the landscape, is
a key driver for conservation benefits at the landscape scale. This is contrasted with the DRAFT Land
Allocation Option which designates areas on the landscape that will be managed for either conservation
or wood production. Clearly, fish and wildlife needs are still considered in the production and addressed
primarily with the common set of conservation strategies described above. Another unique element of
the DRAFT Land Allocation Option is the creation of early seral complex habitat.
APPLYING STAKEHOLDER PROPOSALS AND PRODUCTS TO DRAFT OPTIONS
The Subcommittee of the Board, the Board of Forestry, and the Science Review Panel established that
no single proposal was likely to entirely meet the Board‐directed twin goals. Therefore, these DRAFT
Options drew from components of multiple Stakeholder Group Proposals, the Science Review process,
and internal and external outreach.
COMPLETING THE PACKAGE: FURTHER STRATEGIES
Several strategies are being pursued that are not proposed as part of the new Forest Management Plan
for Northwest Oregon. They are in varying stages of evaluation and implementation to further assist in
meeting the twin goals of attaining financial viability and improved conservation outcomes.
Improve business practices and functions through the development of a business plan and subsequent evaluation of key areas in the areas of business function financial metrics; evaluating marketing strategies, enhancing business processes, and continuing to seek out operational efficiencies. Areas of focus would include, but not limited to:
Subcommittee on Alternative Forest Management Plans | September 29, 2014 AGENDA ITEM 8 Attachment 2 Page 3 of 35
Introduction for Sept. 29th Materials Page 4 of 4
Development of business‐function financial metrics
Evaluate Marketing Strategies
Enhance business processes
Continue to seek out operational efficiencies
Continue to evaluate and seek out alternative revenue and funding options.
Policy Option Packages that offset operational cost for forest functions and services that benefit all Oregonians
Alternative revenue opportunities that monetize existing forest benefits
Explore ways to establish an experimental forest that focuses on advancing knowledge of forest management. Large‐scale adaptive management experiments will be applied to support the research and monitoring program. Explore establishment of a Conservation Fund or State Forest Foundation that can provide funding for conservation or recreation projects, and could be established through an existing trust or establishing a new or separate fund.
NEXT STEPS
At the September 29, 2014 Subcommittee Meeting, the Subcommittee will consider the DRAFT Options
described in the attachments. The subcommittee intends to formulate a recommendation for
consideration by the Full Board on November 5th. Some aspects of the DRAFT Options indicate a need
for more precise information or modeling. More sophisticated analyses will occur after the Board
decides on the overarching approach in November.
November 2014: the Board of Forestry, with leadership from the Subcommittee, will deliberate and
provide direction to the State Forests Division on an overarching approach for managing state forests,
and direct the Division to begin more detailed modeling work and develop a more detailed DRAFT FMP.
March 2015: the State Forests Division will submit a detailed DRAFT FMP to the Subcommittee reflecting
the lessons learned from the modeling effort.
Subcommittee on Alternative Forest Management Plans | September 29, 2014 AGENDA ITEM 8 Attachment 2 Page 4 of 35
DEVELOPING A NEW FOREST MANAGEMENT PLAN FOR NW OREGON APPLYING STAKEHOLDER INPUT & SCIENCE TO PROPOSED OPTIONS twin goals financial viability | improving conservation outcomes
Integrated Forest Management Approach Manage for a range of structure types and habitats across the landscape
Structure types and targets same as/or similar to current plan
Complex structure targets in North Coast districts, none in Willamette Valley districts
Pursue Habitat Conservation Plan
Increase no-cut stream buffers
Increase green tree retention
Continuous improvement of transportation networks
Current slope stability strategies
Growing recreation opportunities
Review species of concern strategies to improve conservation outcomes Forest management planning across districts Revisit implementation planning process to optimize financial viability and conservation outcomes Monitoring and adaptive management Establish fund for conservation or recreation projects
LANDSCAPE MANAGEMENT OPTION
70/30 TIMBER HARVEST OPTIMIZATION RECREATION & RESTORATION FMP 2.1
SCIENCE REVIEW INTERNAL/EXTERNAL OUTREACH & ENGAGEMENT
Italics = components
unique to option.
Components below the dotted line = common to both
options.
This sheet illustrates one of two forest
management options for consideration.
To meet the twin goals of financial
viability and improving conservation
outcomes, components from stakeholder
proposals were interwoven to create
options then reviewed by a scientific
panel. Management components included
in this option were developed from
stakeholder proposals, engagement and
outreach with the State Forest Advisory
Committee (SFAC), the Forest Trust Lands
Advisory Committee (FTLAC), Oregon
Department of Fish and Wildlife (ODFW),
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, NOAA
Fisheries, stakeholders not on the formal
Stakeholder Group, members of the public
and a formal science assessment of
stakeholder-proposed options. Oregon
Department of Forestry (ODF) staff in each
of the six districts and Salem provided
their expertise and professional
knowledge to integrate components from
the Stakeholder Group, the engagement
and outreach process, and the science
assessment to develop a comprehensive
set of strategies for the new Forest
Management Plan. The source of each
component concept (e.g., where the idea
originated) is visually represented in the
box to the right.
STAKEHOLDER GROUP PROPOSALS
ADDITIONAL INPUT & REVIEW
Subcommittee on Alternative Forest Management Plans | September 29, 2014 AGENDA ITEM 8 Attachment 2 Page 5 of 35
Focused Production/Conservation Forest Management Approach Production zone Conservation zone consisting of at least 30% of landscape Possible additional zones (for either production or conservation) Enhance early complex seral habitat
Pursue Habitat Conservation Plan
Increase no-cut stream buffers
Increase green tree retention
Continuous improvement to transportation networks
Current slope stability strategies
Growing recreation opportunities
Review species of concern strategies to improve conservation outcomes
Forest management planning across districts
Revisit implementation planning process to optimize financial viability and conservation outcomes
Monitoring and adaptive management
Establish fund for conservation or recreation projects
DEVELOPING A NEW FOREST MANAGEMENT PLAN FOR NW OREGON APPLYING STAKEHOLDER INPUT & SCIENCE TO PROPOSED OPTIONS twin goals financial viability | improving conservation outcomes
LAND ALLOCATION OPTION
70/30 TIMBER HARVEST OPTIMIZATION RECREATION & RESTORATION FMP 2.1
SCIENCE REVIEW INTERNAL/EXTERNAL OUTREACH & ENGAGEMENT
Italics = components unique
to option.
Components below
the dotted line =
common to both
options.
This sheet illustrates one of two forest
management options for consideration.
To meet the twin goals of financial
viability and improving conservation
outcomes, components from
stakeholder proposals were interwoven
to create options then reviewed by a
scientific panel. Management
components included in this option
were developed from stakeholder
proposals, engagement and outreach
with the State Forest Advisory
Committee (SFAC), the Forest Trust
Lands Advisory Committee (FTLAC),
Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife
(ODFW), U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service,
NOAA Fisheries, stakeholders not on the
formal Stakeholder Group, members of
the public and a formal science
assessment of stakeholder-proposed
options. Oregon Department of Forestry
(ODF) staff in each of the six districts and
Salem provided their expertise and
professional knowledge to integrate
components from the Stakeholder
Group, the engagement and outreach
process, and the science assessment to
develop a comprehensive set of
strategies for the new Forest
Management Plan. The source of each
component concept (e.g., where the
idea originated) is visually represented
in the box to the right.
STAKEHOLDER GROUP PROPOSALS
ADDITIONAL INPUT & REVIEW
Subcommittee on Alternative Forest Management Plans | September 29, 2014 AGENDA ITEM 8 Attachment 2 Page 6 of 35
Landscape Management Draft Concept September 2014 Page 1 of 9
LandscapeManagementVisionandGuidingPrinciplesVisionThe forest described produces sustainable and predictable forest products that generate jobs and
revenues for the benefit of the state, counties, and local taxing districts. The management approaches
described reduce economic risks by producing a diverse mix of stand structures and associated timber
products, and will lead to increases in the asset value of the lands over time.
The diversity of forest structures is enhanced over time, providing for a broad range of social values
important to Oregon citizens, including recreation. The diverse forest structures produced contribute to
the range of fish and wildlife habitats necessary for all native species, and contribute to broad
biodiversity. This forest will provide the range of forest conditions that will need to exist to achieve the
goals for all resources.
ManagementPerspectiveThe Landscape Management approach builds upon structure‐based management and conservation
designations set forth in the current FMP and the “FMP 2.1” stakeholder proposal. Forest biodiversity
will be promoted through active and passive management, including the development of a range of
seral stages characterized as “Structure Types.” The structure targets found in the current Northwest
FMP (2010; Table 1) may need to be adjusted to meet financial and conservation outcomes.
A range of silvicultural prescriptions will be used to maximize volume and value of products as well as
habitat over the long‐term. A range of techniques will be used to assess potential for risks from insects
and disease, fire, wind throw, climate change, and other sources of disturbance. Strategies to mitigate
those risks will be employed within the context of the management plan. Transitioning to the new plan
will vary by district.
Complex Seral Stage: Complex structure (combined “Layered” and “Older Forest Structure”) targets will
be allocated across the Northwest Region districts (Astoria, Forest Grove, & Tillamook) boundaries to
achieve high conservation benefits (preliminary targets shown in Table 1 below). The Willamette Region
Districts (North Cascades, West Oregon, & Western Lane) will not have a complex structure target.
However, harvest restrictions associated with habitat for Northern Spotted Owls and marbled murrelets
will result in the conservation of complex structure on the landscape.
The complex structure target on the Northwest Region districts will be achieved through a landscape
design modified to balance timber production, social values, and biological values. As the structure
targets are achieved, portions of the landscape design will shift across the forest over the course of
decades. Species of Concern (SOC) resource sites will be one consideration in the designation (including
Terrestrial Anchors, owl circles, MMMAs). Other habitat parameters such as patch size, connectivity
between patches, and diversity of habitats will be considered. Stands that are allocated for a desired
future condition (DFC) of complex structure will be considered a conservation benefit. Active
management will occur within stands designated for complex structure.
Subcommittee on Alternative Forest Management Plans | September 29, 2014 Attachment 2
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Landscape Management Draft Concept September 2014 Page 2 of 9
Table 1. Structure types and percent of landscape targets. These types and targets may need to be adjusted to meet financial and conservation outcomes
Stand Structure Types: Desired Future Percent of the Landscape in North Coast Region
Regeneration 15‐25 percent
Closed Single Canopy 5‐15 percent
Understory 30‐40 percent
Layered 15‐25 percent
Older Forest Structure 15‐25 percent
Other Structure Types: The decisions for allocating regeneration, closed single canopy, and understory
structure types on remaining portions of the landscape will be largely driven by harvest opportunities
and stand characteristics. These stands will be managed to support structure goals for the landscape
and provide a continuous supply of forest benefits, including harvests.
GuidingPrinciplesGuiding principles are the overall rules, goals, and responsibilities that guide the planning process for
Oregon state forests. They arise from state and federal laws and administrative rules; policies of the
Board of Forestry, State Land Board, and State Forester; and input from advisory committees, scientists,
interest groups, and the public.
A goal established by the Board of Forestry for this plan was to create a new plan that “will be financially
viable while improving conservation outcomes1.”
Financial viability will be enhanced by managing across district boundaries, removal of complex
structure targets from the Willamette Region districts, and the use of a range of silvicultural approaches
to maximize volume and value of products.
Establishment of the State Forests Foundation Fund can enhance environmental, economic and social
benefits. The vision is to establish a fund which allows for the Department to accept contributions
(rather than funding through the Forest Development Fund) to be used for conservation or recreation
projects. This fund will be pursued outside of the Forest Management Plan process as it may require
legislative approval and authority to establish.
Revenue from the State Forest Foundation Fund could enhance adaptive management and monitoring
of fish, wildlife, and water quality, as well as, increase the feasibility of ongoing research on the effects
of forest management on biodiversity. Increased funding could also enhance possibilities of appropriate
inventory to enable identification of high biodiversity value forest.
1 Board of Forestry Subcommittee Meeting 9/10/2013. Policy Sideboards and Success Criteria document.
Subcommittee on Alternative Forest Management Plans | September 29, 2014 Attachment 2
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Landscape Management Draft Concept September 2014 Page 3 of 9
Increased conservation associated with these strategies includes a separation of retained green trees
from Riparian Management Areas (RMAs) which will ultimately increase the effectiveness of retained
green trees and foster a variety of leave patterns across harvest units, optimization of terrestrial anchors
with regard to the number, size and spatial arrangement, wider no‐harvest riparian buffers and riparian
harvest only to occur expressly to improve riparian function, and improvements to the transportation
network.
SocialResourcesNorthwest Oregon state forests comprise about three percent of Oregon’s forest land. However, these
forests are important to local communities economically dependent on the forests’ resources and
important to residents who recreate in these forests. Perhaps more important to Oregon’s economy is
the contribution the forests make to one of Oregon’s major economic advantages, the perception of
unsurpassed livability.
Recreation Evaluate appropriate levels and types of recreation as part of Implementation Plan revision.
Consider:
o Maintenance costs
o Construction costs
o Types of opportunities provided by regional landowners (i.e., substitutes and
complements)
o Statewide Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan (SCORP)
Development of recreation policy.
Evaluate opportunities for growing recreation (e.g., establish new recreation areas [e.g., King’s
Mountain, Mountain Biking Areas, or Shooting Range]).
Additionalsocialresourcestrategiesunderdevelopmentinclude: contributions to Oregon’s economy, cultural resources, and scenic resources.
EconomicResourcesThe timber stands on the northwest Oregon state forests are an asset to the state, counties, local taxing
districts, and to the Common School Fund.
Management of the timber asset includes investment of time, dollars, and resources to realize the
forest’s ability to generate sustainable timber harvest and revenue over the long term. Investments
include direct expenses in young stand management activities such as precommercial thinning and
fertilization; and in forest infrastructure, such as roads and bridges. There are also indirect expenses for
overall planning and long‐term management, such as forest inventory and GIS systems, research
projects, and monitoring projects.
The timber resources are renewable and sustainable, and therefore the forest’s revenue‐generating
potential is viewed in a long‐term context.
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Landscape Management Draft Concept September 2014 Page 4 of 9
Economicresourcestrategiesunderdevelopmentinclude: timber, non‐timber forest
products, land base and access, energy and minerals, and agriculture and grazing.
EnvironmentalResourcesEnvironmentalandConservation–Description,Goals,andStrategies“Conservation is the maintenance of essential ecological processes, preservation of genetic diversity,
and sustainable use of species and ecosystems.” (Adapted from: International Union for Conservation
of Nature and Natural Resources (IUCN). 1980. World Conservation Strategy: Living Resource
Conservation for Sustainable Development. 77pp.)
SpeciesofConcernThe current FMP SOC goals, strategies and associated policy will be retained. Current terrestrial anchors
will be reviewed on all districts (during Implementation Plan revision) to optimize the number and
locations of the anchors on the landscape to increase conservation outcomes. Modifications to existing
anchors will promote biodiversity by maximizing the potential for stand and landscape function (e.g.,
more efficiently allocate the lands with the goal of improving function).
The current FMP marbled murrelet and Northern Spotted Owl goals, strategies, and associated policies
will be retained. Marbled murrelet management areas (MMMA) and Northern Spotted Owl (NSO) circles
will continue to be implemented as described in current policies.
HabitatConservationPlanThe benefits of a habitat conservation plan (HCP) include increased certainty around conservation of
listed species as well as the ability to meet harvest objectives. If an HCP is obtained, it becomes a
powerful tool for programmatic compliance with the Endangered Species Act. The State Forests division
has worked towards HCPs for the Northwest State Forests in the past. The State Forest Division will
continue to explore programmatic ESA compliance mechanisms including the pursuit of an HCP for the
districts in this planning area.
TerrestrialResourcesWildlife
DescriptionandAssessmentNorthwest Oregon state forests currently have habitat suitable for most native species found in forests in
both the Oregon Coast Range and northern Cascade Mountains (Brown 1985, Csuti et al. 1997).
Appendix E provides lists of vertebrate species known or suspected to be found on, adjacent to, or in
some cases, downstream of, state forest lands in both aquatic and terrestrial environments. In total,
these lists include approximately 270 species, of which 63 are mammals, 147 birds, 32 amphibians and
reptiles, and 28 fishes. These lists generally do not include the many species of marine fishes, birds, and
mammals that may be found in the Tillamook and Columbia River estuaries adjacent to state forest
lands, unless they use state forest lands for some portion of their life history requirements.
Subcommittee on Alternative Forest Management Plans | September 29, 2014 Attachment 2
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Landscape Management Draft Concept September 2014 Page 5 of 9
ManagementGoals In a regional context, provide habitats that contribute to maintaining or enhancing native wildlife
populations at self‐sustaining levels, and contribute to properly functioning aquatic habitats for
salmonids, and other native fish and aquatic life.
Meet the requirements of federal and state endangered species acts.
Contribute to maintaining fish and wildlife populations at levels that allow recreational and
commercial opportunities, including fishing, hunting, and wildlife viewing.
Maintain compatibility with Oregon’s Statewide Planning Goal 5 (Open Spaces, Scenic and Historic
Areas, and Natural Resources).
ManagementStrategiesA series of strategies will be used to conserve and promote habitat for wildlife and other terrestrial
resources. Strategies include: Green Tree Retention (GTR), retention of snags, and downed wood, and
conservation of existing old growth trees or stands.
GreenTreeRetentionandLegacyStructuresPurposes of upland green tree retention and legacy structures are:
Short Term – Provide habitat for diverse species and promote forest landscape
connectivity.
Long Term – serve as a source of future snags and downed wood; provide legacy trees in
new stands following harvest to provide habitat function similar to the scattered
remnant and old growth trees in today’s stands, and genetic retention.
PolicyStandards21. Green Tree Retention
a. Allocation of 2‐4 trees per acre (TPA) in regeneration harvests in the uplands.
b. Consider varying the number of trees per acre required between the Northwest Region
and Willamette Region (e.g. 3 TPA on Northwest Region and 2 TPA on Willamette
Region)
c. Allocation of 6 TPA (at least 2 of which are ≥ 24” DBH; where available) in regeneration
harvests in lands designated for complex late seral habitat.
d. Trees in riparian fish buffers cannot count towards upland green tree retention
objectives. Evaluate the potential to include trees in small non‐fish buffers to contribute
to GTR goals.
e. Green tree counts are averaged across all harvest units in each district’s Annual
Operations Plan.
2. Legacy Structures
a. The current targets will be retained for snags and downed wood in regeneration harvest
units.
2 Where a range is indicated, landscape modeling will be used to evaluate the costs and benefits of choices within the range prior to selection of final value consistent with BoF policy sideboards 3, 5 and 6.
Subcommittee on Alternative Forest Management Plans | September 29, 2014 Attachment 2
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Landscape Management Draft Concept September 2014 Page 6 of 9
b. All old growth trees (as defined in the current FMP) will be maintained (where
operationally feasible), including all stands, patches or individual trees (same as current
standards).
c. All legacy snags and downed logs will be maintained unless safety considerations
outweigh conservation concerns (same as current standards).
AquaticResourcesFishandOtherAquaticBiota
DescriptionandAssessmentThe streams, rivers, lakes, and other water bodies in the northwest Oregon state forests provide habitats
for a variety of fish species. At least 28 species of fish use habitats in the plan area for part or all of their
life history, or use habitats downstream from state forests that may be influenced by state forest
management.
Native salmonid species in the northwest Oregon state forests include fall and spring races of chinook
salmon, Coho salmon, chum salmon, winter and summer steelhead trout, resident populations of
rainbow trout, and both anadromous and resident races of cutthroat trout. Native non‐salmonid fishes
include various species of lamprey, sculpin, dace, chub, sucker, and others. Appendix E has a complete list
of native freshwater fish species currently known or likely to exist in the planning area. The Oregon
Department of Fish and Wildlife collects information on fish populations.
StreamClassificationStreams are classified in categories based on their beneficial use and stream size, as described in the
Department of Forestry’s Forest Practice Technical Note FP1 — Water Classification, published in April
1994 (Oregon Department of Forestry, 1994b). The beneficial use categories are defined as follows:
Type F — Fish‐bearing streams including those with domestic water use.
Type D – Non‐fish‐bearing stream with domestic water use
Type N — All other streams
Three stream size categories were also defined based on the average annual flow (measured in cubic feet
per second; cfs):
Small ≤ 2 cfs
Medium > 2 cfs and ≤ 10 cfs
Large: > 10 cfs
There are also two flow pattern classifications:
Perennial Type N streams – streams that are expected to have summer surface flow after July 15.
Seasonal Type N streams – streams that only flow during portions of the year; these streams are
not expected to have summer surface flow after July 15.
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Landscape Management Draft Concept September 2014 Page 7 of 9
o Potential debris flow track reaches – potential debris flow track reaches are reaches on
Seasonal Type N streams that have been determined to have a high probability of
delivering large wood to a type F stream.
WetlandsWetlands are often near streams or have trees, but they are ecologically distinct from streams and
forests. The Forest Practices Act identifies three major types of wetlands: significant wetlands, stream‐
associated wetlands, and other wetlands. Significant wetlands are defined as bogs, estuaries, and both
forested and non‐forested wetlands larger than eight acres.
In the northwest Oregon state forests, most wetlands are located along stream channels and are
forested with red alders. Other wetlands are identified as seeps, and wet areas under the forest canopy.
These wetlands are usually associated with red alders, devil’s club, and skunk cabbage. Many wetlands
have conifers also. Sitka spruce wetlands exist in the coastal spruce zone. A few Cascades wetlands have
sedges and tag alder stands.
RiparianHabitatThe condition of the trees, other vegetation, and soils in the riparian area affects the morphology of
streams, and the condition of fish habitat. Ecological functions of riparian areas include shade, bank
stability, nutrients (as leaves and wood drop into the water), large wood, and complex margins to the
stream. These functions are important for healthy fish habitat, and also for the many wildlife species that
rely partially or completely on riparian habitats, from rare amphibians to birds of prey. Floods may occur
on only one or two days a year, but a healthy riparian area is especially important at these times and may
influence whether the flood renews or degrades conditions within the stream.
ManagementGoals In a regional context, provide habitats that contribute to maintaining or enhancing native wildlife
populations at self‐sustaining levels, and contribute to properly functioning aquatic habitats for
salmonids, and other native fish and aquatic life.
Meet the requirements of federal and state endangered species acts.
Contribute to maintaining fish and wildlife populations at levels that allow recreational and
commercial opportunities, including fishing, hunting, and wildlife viewing.
Maintain compatibility with Oregon’s Statewide Planning Goal 5 (Open Spaces, Scenic and Historic
Areas, and Natural Resources).
Maintain the natural functions and attributes of wetlands over time.
Ensure that no net loss of wetlands occurs as a result of our management activities.
ManagementStrategiesAquatic resources are protected, maintained, or enhanced using a range of strategies including: stream
buffers, riparian restoration, aquatic enhancement, and wetland protection measures. All buffers will
be measured by horizontal distance from outer edge of stream associated wetland, active channel
width, or channel migration zone, whichever is greatest.
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PolicyStandards31. Increase No‐Cut Buffers and Ground‐Based Equipment Exclusion Zones: Type F and Type N
streams
a. All Type F streams and large and medium Type N streams will have a 115 foot no‐cut
buffer
b. Small perennial type N streams – buffer width ranging from current (25 foot no‐cut) to
50 foot no‐cut
c. Seasonal debris‐flow or high‐energy streams that deliver wood or gravel to Type F or
Large or medium Type N streams will have a no‐cut buffer ranging from current (25 foot
no‐cut) to 50 feet no‐cut
d. All other small Type N seasonal streams will have a ground‐based equipment exclusion
zone ranging from current (30 foot) to 35 feet except at designated crossings.
e. Cable corridors and temporary crossings will be allowed.
2. Riparian Restoration: Active management is an option in stream‐side buffers to improve riparian
functions. This requires a Riparian Restoration plan that will include a cooperative evaluation
with Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife (ODFW) and is intended for areas where active
management can expedite achieving desired riparian function and riparian conditions. Specific
circumstances where this may be desired include, but are not limited to: overstocked young
Douglas‐fir stands, diseased forest conditions, or after a major disturbance (e.g., blow down).
3. Aquatic Habitat Enhancement: Evaluated in cooperation with Oregon Department of Fish and
Wildlife (ODFW); emphasis on actions in fish conservation for native fish passage and habitat
enhancement.
4. Wetlands: Same size categories and restrictions as in current FMP; these could be buffered
differently to reflect any changes to Type F or N buffers above.
5. Inner Gorges: The greater of either:
a. A buffer extending to the top of the slope break that defines the inner gorge; or
b. The buffer that is normally applied to the stream type (e.g., Type F, small Type N,
seasonal other).
RoadsThe transportation process will focus on continuous improvement of the transportation network. The
transportation network will be managed to:
Protect water quality and associated impacts on aquatic resources
Minimize the road network to that needed to provide access for meeting the management plan
objectives.
Meet or exceed FPA standards for construction, maintenance and wet weather use.
3 Where a range is indicated, landscape modeling will be used to evaluate the costs and benefits of choices within the range prior to selection of final value consistent with BoF policy sideboards 3, 5 and 6.
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Meet goals for minimizing hydrologic connectivity and eliminating road‐related barriers to fish
passage.
SlopeStabilityCurrent strategies with regard to road construction, aquatic habitat and water quality and public safety
will be applied.
Additionalenvironmentalresourcestrategiesunderdevelopmentinclude: forest health, air quality, climate change, rare plants, geology and soils, and water quality and supply.
MonitoringandAdaptiveManagementThe Forest Management Plan for State Forests emphasizes the need for adaptive approaches to
management in which the results of management actions are measured and changes are made where
necessary. This approach requires a commitment to long‐term information‐gathering and the
incorporation of that information into the decision‐making process. With increased revenues, the state
forests research and monitoring program will be enhanced to ensure that the levels of research,
monitoring, and technology transfer are adequate to meet the information needs required by this long‐
range management plan.
Two important objectives of the monitoring program are: 1) to determine whether FMP programs and
strategies are implemented as stated; and 2) to determine whether FMP programs and strategies are
effective at achieving stated objectives. The FMP serves as the basis for identification of specific
information needs that should be addressed through new projects.
Adaptive management is the process through which management practices are incrementally improved
by implementing plans in ways that provide opportunities to learn from experience. Through a broad
program of monitoring, surveys, reporting, and cooperative research, ODF will evaluate the biological
relationships and habitat responses to management actions. This process will provide a credible method
to assess whether our management strategies are functioning as intended.
The primary purpose of adaptive management is to demonstrate, with sound scientific information, why
a change in management would be necessary. The key components of the management strategies will
be tested through this adaptive process to determine if specific objectives are being met.
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LandAllocationVisionandGuidingPrinciplesVisionThe forest described produces sustainable and predictable forest products that generate jobs and
revenues for the benefit of the state, counties, and local taxing districts. The management approaches
described reduce economic risks by producing a diverse mix of forest conditions and associated timber
products, and will lead to increases in the asset value of the lands over time.
In designated conservation areas, the diversity of the forest is enhanced over time, providing for a broad
range of social values important to Oregon citizens, including recreation. The diverse forest structures
produced contribute to the range of fish and wildlife habitats necessary for all native species, and
contribute to broad biodiversity. This forest will provide the range of forest conditions that will need to
exist to achieve the goals for all resources.
ManagementPerspectiveThe Land Allocation approach will be used to designate lands into zones, primarily for timber harvest
production or for conservation. This option builds upon the 70/30 stakeholder proposal.1 While the
lands will be allocated for the primary attainment of either conservation or economic benefits, there will
be conservation benefits within the production zone and there will be active management in the
conservation zone consistent with conservation goals. Locations of some of the conservation areas
within these zones will be static while others will be dynamic. As with the stakeholder proposal, this
Option presents only 2 management allocations. Additional allocation zone types could be defined to
provide for a range of production or conservation zones.
Conservation Zone: The conservation zone is likely to require at least 30% of the landscape in order to
achieve the conservation goals under the plan. The conservation zone will contain structure intended to
maintain or promote biodiversity, including a range of seral stages.
Forests managed for late seral structure will be associated with habitat for Northern Spotted Owls (NSO)
and marbled murrelets (MM). These stands will have limited harvest activities consistent with current
NSO and MM policies. For conservation zones outside of the NSO circles and Marbled Murrelet
Management Areas (MMMA), management will be done to promote improved conservation outcomes
for the specific target species (e.g., owls or murrelets, and other late seral associated species).
The conservation zone will include some combination of habitats for fish, wildlife, and special plants.
Examples include, but are not limited to MMMAs, NSO circles, terrestrial and aquatic anchors, and
riparian buffers. Forests in this zone include stands managed to maintain or develop into complex
1 While this plan derives some management concepts from 70/30, it is important to note the expected volume outcome is not likely to be at the same level as the stakeholder proposed plan. The strategies presented here will result in a lower annual volume.
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structure, as well as, stands and structures intended to provide other habitat values. The zone will
provide flexibility over time to account for a dynamic landscape and respond to new threatened and
endangered species concerns. Emphasis will be given to maintain connectivity, minimize fragmentation,
and maintain desirable patch size by considering location and size of conservation areas.
Wood Production Zone: The production zone portion of the landscape will be managed for a range of
age classes that provide product diversity and produce the most value. The strategy in this zone will be
to have fully stocked stands of species well adapted to the sites, grown to desirable age and size for
current and anticipated timber markets. A range of silvicultural prescriptions will be used to maximize
volume and value of products produced over the long‐term. A range of techniques will be used to
assess potential for occupancy by ESA‐listed species, (e.g., known habitat variables, probability models)
and assess risks from insects and disease, fire, wind throw, climate change, or other disturbance.
Complex Early Structure: Over the past decade, there has been increasing recognition of the paucity
and importance of complex early seral habitat on the landscape. Complex early seral stands provide
habitat for a variety of wildlife including spotted owls, ungulates, and several songbird species of
concern. Historically, ODF’s primary management focus in young stands has been reforestation with
consideration for subsequent, long‐term habitat development (e.g., legacy structures, tree species
diversity) and other goals (e.g., recreation access). Moving forward, ODF will focus more explicitly and
intentionally on creating complex early seral habitat on a subset of young stands through both passive
and active management approaches. Areas managed to promote complex early structure can be
established in either the conservation or production zone.
GuidingPrinciplesGuiding principles are the overall rules, goals, and responsibilities that guide the planning process for
Oregon state forests. They arise from state and federal laws and administrative rules; policies of the
Board of Forestry, State Land Board, and State Forester; and input from advisory committees, scientists,
interest groups, and the public.
A goal established by the Board of Forestry for this plan was to create a new plan that “will be financially
viable while improving conservation outcomes2.”
Financial viability will be enhanced by managing across district boundaries, efficiencies gained through
the explicit allocation of production zones, and the use of a range of silvicultural approaches to
maximize volume and value of products.
Establishment of the State Forests Foundation Fund can enhance environmental, economic and social
benefits. The vision is to establish a fund which allows for the Department to accept contributions
(rather than funding through the Forest Development Fund) to be used for conservation or recreation
projects. This fund will be pursued outside of the Forest Management Plan process as it may require
legislative approval and authority to establish.
2 Board of Forestry Subcommittee Meeting 9/10/2013. Policy Sideboards and Success Criteria document.
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Revenue from the State Forests Foundation Fund could enhance adaptive management and monitoring
of fish, wildlife, and water quality, as well as, increase the feasibility of ongoing research on the effects
of forest management on biodiversity. Increased funding could also enhance possibilities of appropriate
inventory to enable identification of high biodiversity value forest.
Increased conservation associated with these strategies include a separation of retained green trees
from Riparian Management Areas (RMAs) which will ultimately increase the effectiveness of retained
green trees and foster a variety of leave patterns across harvest units, optimization of terrestrial anchors
with regard to the number, size and spatial arrangement, wider no‐harvest riparian buffers and riparian
harvest only to occur expressly to improve riparian function, enhancement of complex early seral
habitat, and improvements to road best‐management practices. A potential conservation benefit of this
plan is the explicit and durable allocation of conservation on at least 30% of the landscape. This differs
from the current FMP that adopts a “floating reserve” (shifting mosaic) approach.
SocialResourcesNorthwest Oregon state forests comprise about three percent of Oregon’s forest land. However, these
forests are important to local communities economically dependent on the forests’ resources and
important to residents who recreate in these forests. Perhaps more important to Oregon’s economy is
the contribution the forests make to one of Oregon’s major economic advantages, the perception of
unsurpassed livability.
Recreation Evaluate appropriate levels and types of recreation as part of Implementation Plan revision.
Consider:
o Maintenance costs
o Construction costs
o Types of opportunities provided by regional landowners (i.e., substitutes and
complements)
o Statewide Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan (SCORP)
Development of recreation policy.
Evaluate opportunities for growing recreation (e.g., establish new recreation areas [e.g., King’s
Mountain, Mountain Biking Areas, or Shooting Range])
Additionalsocialresourcestrategiesunderdevelopmentinclude: contributions to Oregon’s economy, cultural resources, and scenic resources.
EconomicResourcesThe timber stands on the northwest Oregon state forests are an asset to the state, counties, local taxing
districts, and to the Common School Fund.
Management of the timber asset includes investment of time, dollars, and resources to realize the
forest’s ability to generate sustainable timber harvest and revenue over the long term. Investments
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include direct expenses in young stand management activities such as precommercial thinning and
fertilization; and in forest infrastructure, such as roads and bridges. There are also indirect expenses for
overall planning and long‐term management, such as forest inventory and GIS systems, research
projects, and monitoring projects.
The timber resources are renewable and sustainable, and therefore the forest’s revenue‐generating
potential is viewed in a long‐term context.
Economicresourcestrategiesunderdevelopmentinclude: timber, non‐timber forest
products, land base and access, energy and minerals, and agriculture and grazing.
EnvironmentalResourcesEnvironmentalandConservation–Description,Goals,andStrategies“Conservation is the maintenance of essential ecological processes, preservation of genetic diversity,
and sustainable use of species and ecosystems.” (Adapted from: International Union for Conservation
of Nature and Natural Resources (IUCN). 1980. World Conservation Strategy: Living Resource
Conservation for Sustainable Development. 77pp.)
SpeciesofConcernThe current FMP SOC goals, strategies and associated policy will be retained. Current terrestrial anchors
will be reviewed on all districts (during Implementation Plan revision) to optimize the number and
locations of the anchors on the landscape to increase conservation outcomes. Modifications to existing
anchors will promote biodiversity by maximizing the potential for stand and landscape function (e.g.,
more efficiently allocate the lands with the goal of improving function).
The current FMP marbled murrelet and Northern Spotted Owl goals, strategies and associated policies
will be retained. Marbled murrelet management areas (MMMA) and Northern Spotted Owl (NSO) circles
will continue to be implemented as described in current policies.
HabitatConservationPlanThe benefits of a habitat conservation plan (HCP) include increased certainty around conservation of
listed species as well as the ability to meet harvest objectives. If an HCP is obtained, it becomes a
powerful tool for programmatic compliance with the Endangered Species Act. The State Forest division
has worked towards HCPs for the Northwest State Forests in the past. The State Forests Division will
continue to explore programmatic ESA compliance mechanisms including the pursuit of an HCP for the
districts in this planning area.
TerrestrialResourcesWildlife
DescriptionandAssessmentNorthwest Oregon state forests currently have habitat suitable for most native species found in forests in
both the Oregon Coast Range and northern Cascade Mountains (Brown 1985, Csuti et al. 1997).
Appendix E provides lists of vertebrate species known or suspected to be found on, adjacent to, or in
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some cases, downstream of, state forest lands in both aquatic and terrestrial environments. In total,
these lists include approximately 270 species, of which 63 are mammals, 147 birds, 32 amphibians and
reptiles, and 28 fishes. These lists generally do not include the many species of marine fishes, birds, and
mammals that may be found in the Tillamook and Columbia River estuaries adjacent to state forest
lands, unless they use state forest lands for some portion of their life history requirements.
ManagementGoals In a regional context, provide habitats that contribute to maintaining or enhancing native wildlife
populations at self‐sustaining levels, and contribute to properly functioning aquatic habitats for
salmonids, and other native fish and aquatic life.
Meet the requirements of federal and state endangered species acts.
Contribute to maintaining fish and wildlife populations at levels that allow recreational and
commercial opportunities, including fishing, hunting, and wildlife viewing.
Maintain compatibility with Oregon’s Statewide Planning Goal 5 (Open Spaces, Scenic and Historic
Areas, and Natural Resources).
ManagementStrategiesA series of strategies will be used to conserve and promote habitat for wildlife and other terrestrial
resources. Strategies include: Green Tree Retention (GTR), retention of snags, and downed wood, and
conservation of existing old growth trees or stands.
GreenTreeRetentionandLegacyStructuresPurposes of upland green tree retention and legacy structures are:
Short Term – Provide habitat for diverse species and promote forest landscape connectivity.
Long Term – serve as a source of future snags and downed wood; provide legacy trees in new
stands following harvest to provide habitat function similar to the scattered remnant and old
growth trees in today’s stands, and genetic retention.
PolicyStandards31. Green Tree Retention
a. Allocation of 2‐4 trees per acre (TPA) in regeneration harvests in the production zone.
b. Consider varying the number of trees per acre required between the Northwest Region
and Willamette Region (e.g., 3 TPA on Northwest Region and 2 TPA on Willamette
Region)
c. Allocation of 6 TPA (at least 2 of which are ≥ 24” DBH; where available) in regeneration
harvests conservation zone.
d. Trees in riparian fish buffers cannot count towards upland green tree retention
objectives. Evaluate the potential to include trees in small non‐fish buffers to contribute
to GTR goals.
e. Green tree counts are averaged across all regeneration harvest units in each district’s
Annual Operations Plan.
3 Where a range is indicated, landscape modeling will be used to evaluate the costs and benefits of choices within the range prior to selection of final value consistent with BoF policy sideboards 3, 5 and 6.
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2. Legacy Structures
a. The current targets will be retained for snags and downed wood in regeneration harvest
units.
b. All old growth trees (as defined in the current FMP) will be maintained (where
operationally feasible), including all stands, patches or individual trees (same as current
standards).
c. All legacy snags and downed logs will be maintained unless safety considerations
outweigh conservation concerns (same as current standards).
3. Enhance Early Seral Habitat – Current vegetation management strategies and green tree
retention requirements result in creation of some relatively complex early seral habitat.
Approaches to and rationale for vegetation management may vary among districts. The creation
of complex early seral habitat will occur through active and passive means.
AquaticResourcesFishandOtherAquaticBiota
DescriptionandAssessmentThe streams, rivers, lakes, and other water bodies in the northwest Oregon state forests provide habitats
for a variety of fish species. At least 28 species of fish use habitats in the plan area for part or all of their
life history, or use habitats downstream from state forests that may be influenced by state forest
management.
Native salmonid species in the northwest Oregon state forests include fall and spring races of Chinook
salmon, Coho salmon, chum salmon, winter and summer steelhead trout, resident populations of
rainbow trout, and both anadromous and resident races of cutthroat trout. Native non‐salmonid fishes
include various species of lamprey, sculpin, dace, chub, sucker, and others. Appendix E of the Northwest
Forest Management Plan has a complete list of native freshwater fish species currently known or likely to
exist in the planning area. The Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife collects information on fish
populations.
StreamClassificationStreams are classified in categories based on their beneficial use and stream size, as described in the
Department of Forestry’s Forest Practice Technical Note FP1 — Water Classification, published in April
1994 (Oregon Department of Forestry, 1994b). The beneficial use categories are defined as follows:
Type F — Fish‐bearing streams including those with domestic water use.
Type D – Non‐fish‐bearing stream with domestic water use
Type N — All other streams
Three stream size categories were also defined based on the average annual flow (measured in cubic feet
per second; cfs):
Small ≤ 2 cfs
Medium > 2 cfs and ≤ 10 cfs
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Large: > 10 cfs
There are also two flow pattern classifications:
Perennial Type N streams – streams that are expected to have summer surface flow after July 15.
Seasonal Type N streams – streams that only flow during portions of the year; these streams are
not expected to have summer surface flow after July 15.
o Potential debris flow track reaches – potential debris flow track reaches are reaches on
Seasonal Type N streams that have been determined to have a high probability of
delivering large wood to a type F stream.
WetlandsWetlands are often near streams or have trees, but they are ecologically distinct from streams and
forests. The Forest Practices Act identifies three major types of wetlands: significant wetlands, stream‐
associated wetlands, and other wetlands. Significant wetlands are defined as bogs, estuaries, and both
forested and non‐forested wetlands larger than eight acres.
In the northwest Oregon state forests, most wetlands are located along stream channels and are
forested with red alders. Other wetlands are identified as seeps, and wet areas under the forest canopy.
These wetlands are usually associated with red alders, devil’s club, and skunk cabbage. Many wetlands
have conifers also. Sitka spruce wetlands exist in the coastal spruce zone. A few Cascades wetlands have
sedges and tag alder stands.
RiparianHabitatThe condition of the trees, other vegetation, and soils in the riparian area affects the morphology of
streams, and the condition of fish habitat. Ecological functions of riparian areas include shade, bank
stability, nutrients (as leaves and wood drop into the water), large wood, and complex margins to the
stream. These functions are important for healthy fish habitat, and also for the many wildlife species that
rely partially or completely on riparian habitats, from rare amphibians to birds of prey. Floods may occur
on only one or two days a year, but a healthy riparian area is especially important at these times and may
influence whether the flood renews or degrades conditions within the stream.
ManagementGoals In a regional context, provide habitats that contribute to maintaining or enhancing native wildlife
populations at self‐sustaining levels, and contribute to properly functioning aquatic habitats for
salmonids, and other native fish and aquatic life.
Meet the requirements of federal and state endangered species acts.
Contribute to maintaining fish and wildlife populations at levels that allow recreational and
commercial opportunities, including fishing, hunting, and wildlife viewing.
Maintain compatibility with Oregon’s Statewide Planning Goal 5 (Open Spaces, Scenic and Historic
Areas, and Natural Resources).
Maintain the natural functions and attributes of wetlands over time.
Ensure that no net loss of wetlands occurs as a result of our management activities.
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ManagementStrategiesAquatic resources are protected, maintained, or enhanced using a range of strategies including: stream
buffers, riparian restoration, aquatic enhancement, and wetland protection measures. All buffers will
be measured by horizontal distance from outer edge of stream associated wetland, active channel
width, or channel migration zone, whichever is greatest.
PolicyStandards41. Increase No‐Cut Buffers and Ground‐Based Equipment Exclusion Zones: Type F and Type N
streams
a. All Type F streams and large and medium Type N streams will have a 115 foot no‐cut
buffer
b. Small perennial type N streams – buffer width ranging from current (25 foot no‐cut) to
50 foot no‐cut
c. Seasonal debris‐flow streams that deliver wood or gravel to Type F or Large or medium
Type N streams will have a no‐cut buffer ranging from current (25 foot no‐cut) to 50 feet
no‐cut
d. All other small Type N seasonal streams will have a ground‐based equipment exclusion
zone ranging from current (30 foot) to 35 feet except at designated crossings.
e. Cable corridors and temporary crossings will be allowed.
2. Riparian Restoration: Active management is an option in stream‐side buffers to improve riparian
functions. This requires a Riparian Restoration plan that will include a cooperative evaluation
with Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife (ODFW) and is intended for areas where active
management can expedite achieving desired riparian function and riparian conditions. Specific
circumstances where this may be desired include, but are not limited to: overstocked young
Douglas‐fir stands, diseased forest conditions, or after a major disturbance (e.g., blow down).
3. Aquatic Habitat Enhancement: Evaluated in cooperation with Oregon Department of Fish and
Wildlife (ODFW); emphasis on actions in fish conservation for native fish passage and habitat
enhancement.
4. Wetlands: Same size categories and restrictions as in current FMP; these could be buffered
differently to reflect any changes to Type F or N buffers above.
5. Inner Gorges: The greater of either:
a. A buffer extending to the top of the slope break that defines the inner gorge; or
b. The buffer that is normally applied to the stream type (e.g., Type F, small Type N,
seasonal other).
RoadsThe transportation process will focus on continuous improvement of the transportation network. The
transportation network will be managed to:
Protect water quality and associated impacts on aquatic resources
4 Where a range is indicated, landscape modeling will be used to evaluate the costs and benefits of choices within the range prior to selection of final value consistent with BoF policy sideboards 3, 5 and 6.
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Minimize the road network to that needed to provide access for meeting the management plan
objectives.
Meet or exceed FPA standards for construction, maintenance and wet weather use.
Meet goals for minimizing hydrologic connectivity and eliminating road‐related barriers to fish
passage.
SlopeStabilityCurrent strategies with regard to road construction, aquatic habitat and water quality and public safety
will be applied.
Additionalenvironmentalresourcestrategiesunderdevelopmentinclude: forest health, air quality, climate change, rare plants, geology and soils, and water quality and supply.
MonitoringandAdaptiveManagementThe Forest Management Plan for State Forests emphasizes the need for adaptive approaches to
management in which the results of management actions are measured and changes are made where
necessary. This approach requires a commitment to long‐term information‐gathering and the
incorporation of that information into the decision‐making process. With increased revenues, the state
forests research and monitoring program will be enhanced to ensure that the levels of research,
monitoring, and technology transfer are adequate to meet the information needs required by this long‐
range management plan.
Two important objectives of the monitoring program are: 1) to determine whether FMP programs and
strategies are implemented as stated; and 2) to determine whether FMP programs and strategies are
effective at achieving stated objectives. The FMP serves as the basis for identification of specific
information needs that should be addressed through new projects.
Adaptive management is the process through which management practices are incrementally improved
by implementing plans in ways that provide opportunities to learn from experience. Through a broad
program of monitoring, surveys, reporting, and cooperative research, ODF will evaluate the biological
relationships and habitat responses to management actions. This process will provide a credible method
to assess whether our management strategies are functioning as intended.
The primary purpose of adaptive management is to demonstrate, with sound scientific information, why
a change in management would be necessary. The key components of the management strategies will
be tested through this adaptive process to determine if specific objectives are being met.
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GuidingPrinciplesandVisionGuidingPrinciplesGuiding principles are the overall rules, goals, and responsibilities that guide the planning process for
Oregon state forests. They arise from state and federal laws and administrative rules; policies of the
Board of Forestry, State Land Board, and State Forester; and input from advisory committees, scientists,
interest groups, and the public. The guiding principles for this plan were originally drafted and reviewed
with the planning forum and the public at the beginning of the northwest Oregon planning process. The
guiding principles have been amended since 1995, subsequent to adoption of a new administrative rule
for state forest management; new scientific knowledge, especially about salmon and watersheds; and
changes in social values.
Principle 1
The plan will recognize that the goal for management of Board of Forestry Lands is to secure the
greatest permanent value to the citizens of Oregon by providing healthy, productive, and sustainable
forest ecosystems that over time and across the landscape provide a full range of social, economic,
and environmental benefits to the people of Oregon. The goal for management of Common School
Forest Land is the maximization of income to the Common School Fund over the long term.
Most of the northwest Oregon state forests (97 percent) are Board of Forestry‐owned land. The
remaining lands (3 percent) are Common School Forest Lands, owned by the State Land Board. The
Oregon Department of Forestry manages all state forest lands in northwest Oregon for both
landowners. Oregon Administrative Rules (OAR 629‐035‐0000 through 629‐035‐0100) describe the
Board of Forestry’s guidance to the State Forester for managing Board of Forestry Lands:
To secure the greatest permanent value of these lands to the state, the State Forester shall maintain
these lands as forest lands and actively manage them in a sound environmental manner to provide
sustainable timber harvest and revenues to the state, counties, and local taxing districts. This
management focus is not exclusive of other forest resources, but must be pursued within a broader
management context that:
a) Results in a high probability of maintaining and restoring properly functioning aquatic habitats
for salmonids, and other native fish and aquatic life;
b) Protects, maintains, and enhances native wildlife habitats;
c) Protects soil, air, and water; and
d) Provides outdoor recreation opportunities.
The Oregon Constitution (Article VIII, Section 5) authorizes the State Land Board to manage Common
School Forest Lands “with the object of obtaining the greatest benefit for the people of this state,
consistent with the conservation of this resource under sound techniques of land management.”
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According to a 1992 opinion of Oregon’s Attorney General, the “greatest benefit for the people”
standard requires the State Land Board to use the lands for schools and the production of income for
the Common School Fund. The resources of the lands are not limited to those such as timber that are
currently recognized as revenue generators for the Common School Fund. The Land Board should
consider other resources, such as minerals, water, and plant materials, that may offer revenue for the
fund. In addition, the Land Board may take management actions that reduce present income if these
actions are intended to maximize income over the long term.
Principle 2
The plan will recognize that ecosystem restoration and watershed health are among the key goals that
this plan must achieve, in a manner that is aligned with the policy direction for Board of Forestry and
Common School Forest Lands.
When the state acquired the northwest Oregon state forest lands, some lands had a legacy of repeated,
large‐scale wildfires, and other lands had already been extensively logged. Over the last several decades,
a massive restoration project has been accomplished across these state forest lands. The plan will
emphasize a continuing commitment to restoration activities, especially in the context of the decline of
salmonids and the vital contribution that these forests can make to the success of large‐scale regional
efforts like the Oregon Plan for Salmon and Healthy Watersheds.
Principle 3
The plan will be a comprehensive, integrated forest management plan taking into account a wide
range of forest values.
When we say that the plan will be comprehensive, we mean that it will include consideration of the
following commodity and amenity resources and issues.
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Principles and Vision Draft Plan September 2014 Page 3 of 10
• Agriculture and grazing
• Air quality
• Cultural resources
• Energy and minerals
• Fish and wildlife
• Forest condition (health and biodiversity)
• Land base and access
• Plants
• Recreation and scenic resources
• Social and economic issues
• Soils
• Special forest products
• Timber
• Water quality
• Water supply
• Wetlands
For each of these resources and issues, the plan will include:
• A description of the current condition of the resource or issue.
• A summary of the information known about the resource or issue.
• The management goals for development and/or protection of each resource.
• The strategies that will be used to accomplish the management goals.
An integrated plan provides for development and protection of forest resources across the landscape.
Single use focus is avoided. Compatible uses are emphasized.
Principle 4
The plan will be developed within the context of Northwest Oregon State Forests as managed forests.
The majority of northwest Oregon state forest lands are owned by the Board of Forestry. The statutes
governing management of Board of Forestry lands are contained in Oregon Revised Statutes, Chapter
530. Oregon Administrative Rules direct that these lands will be actively managed. Active management
means applying practices, over time and across the landscape, to achieve site‐specific forest resource
goals using an integrated and science‐based approach that promotes the compatibility of most forest
uses and resources over time and across the landscape.
The Oregon Constitution and the Admission Act of 1859 direct the State Land Board to manage the
Common School Forest Land with the object of obtaining the greatest benefit for the people of Oregon.
The primary goal is the generation of the greatest amount of income for the Common School Fund, an
educational trust for the benefit of all Oregon school children. This goal is discussed in more detail under
guiding principle 1. Timber harvest from all Common School Forest Lands managed by the Department
of Forestry has produced over $230 million for the Common School Fund over the past twenty years.
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The Oregon Department of Forestry manages these lands under an agreement with the State Land
Board to prepare and carry out programs for the management, control, and protection of the Common
School Forest Lands.
Principle 5
The plan will acknowledge the protected and recognizable interest of the counties from which most of
the Board of Forestry Lands were originally derived.
Significant portions of the state forests were originally private lands that reverted to counties as tax‐
delinquent properties. Eventually these properties were deeded to the state with assurances that the
lands would be managed to produce revenue and the counties would share in the revenue that was
produced. The counties’ input and advice into the management of Board of Forestry lands is organized
through the Forest Trust Lands Advisory Committee, authorized by statute as an advisory committee to
the Board of Forestry.
Principle 6
The plan will recognize that the forest is intended to be an important contributor to timber supply for
present and future generations.
State forest lands in northwest Oregon represent approximately 8 percent of the forested area in
northwest Oregon, and are an important contributor to the timber supply for the next century. In
Clatsop and Tillamook Counties, state forest lands represent a much larger percentage of the
timbershed and will play a much more significant role in contributing to timber supply in these counties.
The majority of northwest Oregon state forests are second growth, created from early reforestation
efforts following harvesting and the Tillamook fires. The age class structure for northwest Oregon state
forests is dominated by the 35‐65 year age class (roughly 57 percent of the forest). The 65 plus age class
accounts for about 25 percent of the forests.
Principle 7
Lands will be identified and managed to provide for a sustained contribution, biological capability,
and economic and social values. The plan will recognize that there will be trade‐offs between
revenue‐producing activities and non‐revenue‐producing activities.
An important part of managing the northwest Oregon state forests is the concept of promoting healthy,
sustainable forest ecosystems that:
a) Produce timber and revenues for the state, counties, and local taxing districts;
b) Result in a high probability of maintaining and restoring properly functioning aquatic habitats for
salmonids, and other native fish and aquatic life;
c) Protect, maintain, and enhance native wildlife habitats;
d) Protect soil, air, and water; and,
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e) Provide outdoor recreational opportunities.
As part of the planning process, existing inventories will be utilized and data collected on a number of
resources. The planning process will also evaluate the economic and social impacts of management
decisions and the overall role of state forests in local economies. As dictated by the statutory obligations
for these forests, the forests will be managed “so as to secure the greatest permanent value of such
lands to the state,” consistent with the guidance provided in the administrative rules. This management
will be consistent with sustainable ecosystem and social values, which include impacts to local
communities and amenity values on the forest.
Principle 8
The plan will examine opportunities to achieve goals through cooperative efforts with other agencies,
user groups, or organizations.
Management objectives can often be achieved more effectively and efficiently through collaboration
with others. An example of cooperative efforts already taking place is the relationship between the
Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife and the Department of Forestry. The two agencies work
together to provide increased forage for big game through forage seeding and pasture land
management, to reduce harassment of big game by closing roads, and to incorporate fish and wildlife
considerations in timber sale plans by working with local biologists.
Additional opportunities will be explored in the forest planning process to pursue cooperative efforts
with adjacent landowners, user groups (both commodity and amenity oriented groups), and other
individuals and groups who are interested in the management of northwest Oregon state forests.
Principle 9
Diverse input from a variety of interested parties, including user groups, business interests, adjacent
landowners, and the general public will be a high priority throughout the planning process.
Public involvement in the northwest Oregon state forests planning process is based on the concept that
inclusion and consideration of diverse viewpoints is critical to gaining public understanding, acceptance,
and support.
The goals for public involvement are:
• To seek insight, opinions, and data on planned management actions on northwest Oregon
state forest lands.
• To build understanding, acceptance, and support for the forest resource management
planning process and decisions.
• To offer information to the public about forest systems and forest stewardship.
• To provide the public with meaningful opportunities to comment and affect planning
decisions at a time when public involvement can contribute positively to the planning
decisions under consideration.
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Principle 10
The plan will be goal‐driven.
A goal‐driven plan begins by defining overall management goals for the forest. Examples of overall goals
for the forest are found in these guiding principles. Once these have been established, then specific
goals can be developed for each resource. These specific goals spell out exactly what the vision is for the
development or protection of the resource.
In contrast, an issue‐driven plan begins by identifying concerns about existing management practices. It
then works to analyze and address those concerns. This is usually done by developing a series of
alternatives that deal with the issues in a piecemeal fashion. The problem with an issue‐driven process is
that it is easy to lose sight of the goals for managing the land. For this reason, the Northwest Oregon
State Forests Management Plan will be goal‐driven.
Principle 11
The plan will view northwest Oregon state forest lands in both a local and regional context.
Consistent with Oregon Administrative Rules and principles of good stewardship, planning will consider
different geographic scales. These will include the immediate physical area, the watershed level, and the
overall landscape, which may include other public and private ownerships.
In the area of northwest Oregon, approximately 54 percent of forest land is in public ownership. State
forests represent about 15 percent of that total. The forest must be viewed in context with these other
forest lands in the region. This view looks at both timber production and other resource issues.
For example, evaluation of the recreation resource will include an assessment of the types and
quantities of various recreation opportunities available on forest lands throughout northwest Oregon.
Based on this information, the appropriate role of state forest lands in providing specific recreation
opportunities will be determined and described in the goals and strategies developed.
Principle 12
The plan will consider the overall biological diversity of state forest lands, including the variety of life
and accompanying ecological process.
Oregon Administrative Rule 629‐035‐0000 defines biological diversity as “the genetic variation and the
abundance and variety of microbial, plant, and animal life, the range of ecological functions, and the
physical processes at any local or landscape scale.” This definition has been used throughout the
planning process. It emphasizes process and the interactions that lead to landscape, ecosystem, species,
and genetic diversity.
Managing for biological diversity requires managing at various levels of biological organization: species,
genetic variation within species, communities of organisms, and functional diversity. The final item,
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functional diversity, includes the many processes in which organisms transfer energy with each other
and the physical environment.
Strategies for biological diversity must deal with resources at two spatial levels: the forest stand and the
broader landscape.
Managing for biological diversity also requires recognizing that certain concepts and many details of
managing ecosystems require further testing and refinement. Because we lack complete understanding,
an adaptive management approach is required that integrates management, research, and monitoring
to accomplish goals and objectives.
Principle 13
Northwest Oregon state forest lands will be managed to meet state and federal Endangered Species
Acts while fulfilling the Board of Forestry’s other statutory responsibilities. Management plans for
threatened or endangered species will seek to complement or supplement habitat provided by other
landowners to the extent that such provision of habitat is compatible with administrative rules
defining greatest permanent value.
The forest management plan must comply with all federal and state laws. Although many laws apply to
the management of state forest lands, legal requirements for protection of threatened or endangered
species are expected to have the most significant impacts.
The intent of the plan is to adopt management strategies that contribute to providing for the survival
and recovery of currently listed threatened and endangered species, and assist in preventing future
listings of other species. The fact is recognized, however, that northwest Oregon state forests are one
part of a larger landscape, and cannot by themselves provide sufficient habitat to guarantee the survival
or recovery of a species. When managing habitat conditions on northwest Oregon state forests,
planners should consider conditions on other public and private lands, in order to ensure that state
forest lands contribute to species recovery goals.
Principle 14
The plan will commit the Oregon Department of Forestry to using monitoring and research to
generate and utilize new information as it becomes available, and employ an adaptive management
approach to ensure that the best available knowledge is acquired and used efficiently and effectively
in forest resource management programs.
This plan will gather, for the first time, a wide range of available natural resources data for northwest
Oregon state forests. However, new information will continue to become available after the plan’s
completion. Some information will be the result of specific research activities, such as the retrospective
study for the northern spotted owl, which will provide demographic and habitat information. Other
information will be collected through ongoing work conducted by state agency resource specialists.
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New information will also become available through monitoring. The Department of Forestry is
committed to an ongoing monitoring program.
As new information becomes available, the Department of Forestry will review and analyze its
applicability to the management of the forest. Management of the forest will be adapted in light of the
best available scientific knowledge.
VisionThe forest vision is a picture of the northwest Oregon state forests in the future. Like a mural painted on
the side of a building, the forest vision has many images, which together form one larger picture. The
forest described by the vision is that which the Oregon Department of Forestry feels will represent
attainment of “greatest permanent value” to the citizens of the state, as defined in statute and rule.
Achieving “greatest permanent value” means providing a full range of social, economic and ecological
benefits, and achieving a balance between short‐term and long‐term economic returns.
The forest vision represents an idealized view of the future, without the constraints of the current forest
condition. The strategies and implementation plans that follow will describe how each district can move
from the current forest condition toward this future forest, and do so in a manner that meets the short‐
term needs for timber and revenue generation. The forest vision is written in the present tense, as if we
are already in the future and actually looking at this idealized forest.
The forest described produces sustainable and predictable forest products that generate jobs and
revenues for the benefit of the state, counties, and local taxing districts. The management approaches
described reduce economic risks by producing a diverse mix of stand structures and associated timber
products, and will lead to increases in the asset value of the lands over time.
The diversity of forest structures is enhanced over time, providing for a broad range of social values
important to Oregon citizens, including recreation. The diverse forest structures produced contribute to
the range of fish and wildlife habitats necessary for all native species, and contribute to broad
biodiversity. This forest will provide the range of forest conditions that will need to exist to achieve the
goals for all resources.
TheForestThe landscape has a broad range of forest structures and native tree species. The forest stands are
predominantly conifer, although hardwoods are intermixed in most stands. Some stands and drainages
are dominated by hardwoods. Typical stand structures are listed below.
Regeneration stands, i.e., young stands with newly established trees, grasses, herbs, and shrubs.
Stands in which the tree crowns have closed together, creating a closed canopy where very little light reaches the forest floor.
Stands with some openings in the canopies and some canopy layering; these stands have newly established shrubs, herbs, and shade‐tolerant trees in the understory.
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Open stands that have significant understory development. Vigorous herbaceous and shrub communities combine with tree crowns to create multiple canopy layers. Tree crowns and shrubs create a complex vertical structure from the forest floor to the tops of the tallest trees.
Stands with large trees; multiple, deep canopy layers; substantial amounts of coarse woody debris; large snags; and other structures typically associated with older forests.
Well‐stocked, healthy, and vigorous forest stands are the rule. Insect and disease agents are present at
low levels, and are considered a normal part of a healthy forest. Insects, disease, minor windthrow,
other natural events and active management create gaps throughout the forest. Gaps are relatively
small openings within a stand, or small patches of a different vegetation type within a more general
stand type. Stands vary in size from a few acres to hundreds or even thousands of acres, and generally
have irregular shapes.
Hard and soft snags and down woody debris provide for soil productivity and habitat needs. Snags and
down logs are located in all stand types, but occur in significantly different amounts in individual stands.
Although the forest maintains the same general balance of structures over the landscape through time,
individual stands are changing continuously. This shifting mosaic of forest structures maintains vigorous
timber‐producing stands, contributes to the diversity of plant communities and wildlife habitats, and
enhances overall biodiversity throughout the forest. The diverse mix of habitats includes habitat for
species associated with older forest structures.
The forest contributes to the range of habitats needed by native fish and wildlife species in
northwestern Oregon. Although the locations of specific types of habitat may change over time, the
shifting forest mosaic provides an overall stability in the amount and distribution of various habitats.
Because the state forests contribute to this mosaic of habitats, the risk is significantly reduced that
species will become threatened or endangered due to forest habitat conditions.
Many recreational uses are available in the managed forest. Recreation occurs across the whole
landscape — in areas intensively managed for timber, as well as areas where little timber management
occurs. Specific sites or areas with low timber production capacity are managed primarily for public use
values, with timber as an incidental use.
Thinnings, partial cuts, and regeneration harvests produce a predictable and sustainable supply of
timber and revenue. Smaller diameter wood is produced from thinnings in the early stages of stand
development. High quality timber is produced through silvicultural techniques and harvested through
partial cuts and regeneration harvests. Timber harvest and silvicultural activities contribute to
employment in local communities, and to increased volumes of timber and more diverse wood products
flowing into local economies.
Riparian areas are dominated by stands of large conifers, with hardwoods flourishing on wetter sites.
Healthy herb and shrub communities are part of the riparian environment. Many snags and down logs
are found in and around streams. The riparian areas support a diversity of tree, plant, and animal
species. Diverse riparian conditions contribute to healthy aquatic habitat elements. Although the
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specific locations of channels, deep pools, and other habitats shift over time, the mosaic of stream
habitats has an overall stability. High quality fish habitat exists in most areas.
ManagementPerspectiveThe forest is actively managed to produce the various stand types in much shorter time frames than
would occur in unmanaged stands. Management activities are scheduled to provide a sustainable flow
of timber and revenue while maintaining the desired array of forest structural conditions over time.
When natural events such as windstorms or fires affect forest structures, management activities are
adjusted as needed to maintain the desired ratio of forest conditions.
Stewardship — Oregon Department of Forestry employees carry out good stewardship of the forest and
its many resources efficiently and professionally. They coordinate with other state and federal agencies,
nongovernment organizations, neighboring landowners, and other interested individuals to achieve the
management goals for northwest Oregon state forests. The comprehensive management program is
adequately staffed.
Monitoring — The monitoring program is an integral part of forest management. Monitoring provides
feedback for adaptive management, ensuring that resource goals are being met, and that new
information is incorporated into planning at all levels.
“I have read many definitions of what is a conservationist, and written not a few
myself, but I suspect the best one is written not with a pen, but with an axe ... A
conservationist is one who is humbly aware that with each stroke he is writing his
signature on the face of his land. Signatures of course differ, whether written with
axe or pen, and this is as it should be.” (Aldo Leopold 1949)
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18. Based on the assumption that land would be sold at a price sufficient to provide the same revenue flow(i.e., from investments) as from timber investments. For further discussion, see "Land Sale Revenues" inAppendix C: Economic Outcomes.
ESSA Science Report Tables
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