HOOD RIVER — Before the end of 2024, Hood River’s board of commissioners discussed facilitating a close review of the county’s Forest Management Plan to ensure it is specific in philosophy and guidance.
The current plans states that county forestland is first and foremost used as a tree farm for revenue: “Hood River County’s primary purpose in owning and managing Hood River County forest lands is for the production and sale of timber. No provision in this Chapter shall be interpreted to the contrary, and no activity authorized by this Chapter shall be allowed to limit the County’s ability to manage its forest.” The plan goes on to mention appropriate inclusion of outdoor recreation.
However, Commissioner Arthur Babitz raised concerns that this language misrepresents community beliefs and the way the current land is being managed. “I’m happy with how things are being managed. I’m not happy that the documents that we have that guide [our county forester] in doing [their] job are sufficiently reflective of the realities and of the community,” Babitz said.
Babitz explained his concern that the phrasing could be used by a future forester with a simplistic view to set money as the most important priority.
The board will revisit the topic in February with specific forest management values and rewrite suggestions.
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