OR SJM5

Urges the President and Congress to reform federal management of Oregon and California Railroad (O&C) grant lands, which comprise more than 2.4 million acres managed by the Bureau of Land Management across 18 Oregon counties.

Timber harvests on O&C lands have declined by 90 percent in recent decades, despite the O&C Act of 1937 mandating a minimum annual harvest of 500 million board feet for sustained yield production.

The Secure Rural Schools and Community Self-Determination Act expired September 30, 2015, leaving counties with timber receipts at 86 percent below historical payment averages.

Counties have been forced to lay off law enforcement, public health, and mental health providers, close correctional facilities, and dramatically reduce services due to lost timber revenue.

Requests that federal reforms provide certainty and predictability to the 18 Oregon counties where O&C lands are located, with copies of the memorial sent to the President and Oregon Congressional Delegation.