PORTLAND, Ore. – Since it was first published two decades ago, Oregon’s Forest Protection Laws: An Illustrated Manual has become standard reference for private forest landowners and forestry workers seeking to learn about state forest practice rules and regulations. The updated fourth edition of the colorfully illustrated manual, developed by the Oregon Forest Resources Institute (OFRI), now includes information about a new set of rules created during the most significant revision to Oregon’s forest practice laws in 50 years.
Producing a revised fourth edition of the manual was necessary following major changes to the Oregon Forest Practices Act resulting from the Private Forest Accord agreement between the timber industry and environmental groups. The agreement led to expanded forest habitat protections for fish and amphibians under Oregon law, including new forest practice rules regarding riparian management, logging on steep slopes, and forest road construction and maintenance.
The new Illustrated Manual, which includes information about the Private Forest Accord updates to the Forest Practices Act, is only available as a free digital download from the publication library on OFRI’s OregonForests.org website, as well as the Partnership for Forestry Education website, KnowYourForest.org. Along with the full 250-page manual, individual chapters can be downloaded separately. Print copies of the updated manual will be available to order by early 2025.
The release of the new digital edition of the manual coincides with OFRI’s public review process for the publication. Public comments regarding the updated manual can be submitted until May 24 to [email protected] with the subject line PUBLIC COMMENT.
About the Oregon Forest Resources Institute:
The Oregon Forest Resources Institute supports the state’s forest sector and the stewardship of natural resources by advancing Oregonians’ understanding of the social, environmental and economic benefits of Oregon’s forests.