Thousands comment on Western Oregon Plan Revision

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Story Published: Jan 10, 2008 at 5:09 PM PST

By Meghan Kalkstein

Near Walton - Thousands of comments are pouring in over a controversial plan, called the Western Oregon Revision Plan, which would open more Oregon land to timber harvest.

We first told you about the plan, nicknamed WOPR in September. Now 20,000 people have commented on the proposal including a new group of anglers.

"The Siuslaw River has a great run of Salmon and Steelhead," says Matt Stansberry with Trout Unlimited.

Fishermen Matt Stansberry and Karl Mueller come to the Siuslaw to lure the big catch. "There are a lot of fish to be caught here," says Mueller.

Worried that could change, their group Trout Unlimited opposes the Western Oregon Revision Plan. The proposal would quadruple the current 40 million board feet harvest in the Eugene district. Stansberry says logging near streams would harm the fish.

"Like these trees here, they provide shade that keeps these rivers cool. They provide a filtration system to keep mud and silt from covering up Salmon and Steelhead eggs," says Stansberry.

"The proposed plan would reduce the protected area to 100 feet and would allow logging up to 25 feet from stream bank," explains Mueller.

Karl & Matt say that 25 foot buffer zone would only bring you to right about here which they say is just too close to the river, but Bureau of Land Management officials say right now nothing is set in stone.

"To jump to a conclusion to think a draft proposal will immediately result in degradation to water quality is way ahead of the power curve so to speak," says Doug Huntington with the B.L.M.

Huntington expects changes to the proposal and says it's a fine balancing act. "We have to come up with a proposal that follows all the existing laws and requirements and provides a steady supply of timber for counties in Western Oregon," Huntington explains.

But Stansberry feels the proposed plan isn't the right fix for Oregon.

"To harm this wildlife for a short term gain, I think is a big mistake," says Stansberry.

The Governor could approve the plan by the end of the year. But Huntington say's he wouldn't be surprised if issue ends up in federal court.

The comment deadline is January 11, 2008.

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