Trump Admin Looks to Release 2.5 Million Acres of Timberland in Oregon

The Trump administration is moving ahead with its plan to possibly release 2.5 million acres of some of the world’s most productive timberland in western Oregon, the U.S. Bureau of Land Management announced on Feb. 18. “Bringing timber production back to historic levels is essential for reviving local economies and reducing the threat of catastrophic wildfires,” said acting Director Bill Groffy. “President [Donald] Trump has made it clear—enhanced domestic timber production is vital for our national security, economic prosperity, and effective wildfire management.” The agency will publish an official notice on Feb. 19 to open a public comment period about making revisions to the 2016 resource management plans for the region that would allow more timber to be harvested. The public will be able to comment until March 23....