HB 3846
Allows the State Forestry Department to enter into a lease agreement for management authority and responsibility for the Ochoco National Forest for no less than 15 years.
Jurisdiction
Oregon
Session
2025 Regular Session
Committee
Climate, Energy, and Environment
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Sign in to take actionPublic sentiment
Support
11%
Oppose
89%
- Introduced
- Passed House
- Passed Senate
- To Governor
- Became Law
Bill overview
This bill would allow the Oregon State Forestry Department to take over management of the Ochoco National Forest for a minimum of 15 years through a lease agreement with the U.S. Forest Service. The agreement would transfer the responsibility for managing the forest’s resources and operations to the state agency. This shift in management aims to provide a long-term approach to the forest’s care and preservation. The bill focuses specifically on the Ochoco National Forest.
Key provisions
- The State Forestry Department can enter into a lease agreement.
- The lease term must be at least 15 years.
- Management authority and responsibility for the Ochoco National Forest are transferred.
- The agreement is with the United States Forest Service or another relevant federal agency.
- The bill pertains specifically to the Ochoco National Forest.
Who is affected
- Oregon State Forestry Department
- United States Forest Service
- Ochoco National Forest
- Oregon Residents
- Forest Users
Sponsors
Official sponsors from legislative records.
Primary sponsors
Cosponsors
Arguments in favor
Reasons to support this legislation.
Supporters of the bill emphasize the need for proactive measures to mitigate the devastating impact of wildfires on Oregon's communities. They argue that reducing fuel loads near homes, as proposed by one testifier, can help prevent property damage from these fires. Others highlight the importance of proper forest management and local involvement in addressing environmental issues, citing a pilot project like Ochocos as a potential model for success. Key supporters also emphasize the need for Oregon to take responsibility for its own land, acknowledging that federal government policies have contributed to the problem and that years or decades may be needed for cleanup efforts. By taking action on their own land, Oregon can demonstrate the effectiveness of local involvement in addressing environmental issues and potentially mitigate the risks associated with waiting for federal course correction.
Source: Testimony Summaries
Arguments opposed
Reasons to oppose this legislation.
Opponents of House Bill 3846 express significant concerns regarding the proposed lease of federal lands in the Ochoco National Forest to the Oregon Department of Forestry. They argue that this would undermine public benefits, ecological integrity, and recreational opportunities, as well as threaten the long-term management capabilities of the National Forest Service. Many the importance of preserving public access to these lands for recreation, wildlife conservation, and clean drinking water, while also citing concerns about environmental degradation, habitat destruction, and potential job disruptions. Additionally, opponents highlight the lack of transparency, inadequate funding, and jurisdictional complications associated with the bill, which they believe would lead to the privatization of public lands and have far-reaching consequences for future generations.