Editorial: Balance needed in stream rules

The federal Clean Water Act requires states to protect natural stream temperatures at least a couple of ways. One, the biologic standard, is set depending upon the kind of fish native to the stream. In Oregon, most natives need cold water to be healthy.

The Protecting Cold Water standards do not deal with biology directly, but with actual increases in stream temperature. Under the standards, which had to be approved by the federal government, human activity can increase temperature by only about one-half of one degree Fahrenheit.

If a small stream loses too much of its shade cover to logging, the sun can warm water too much. That’s already happening on some streams west of the Cascades. Keeping more trees, and more shade, along streams can help ensure that streams stay cool.

To achieve that, forestry department employees will work with the state’s Department of Environmental Quality and the Environmental Quality Commission as well as with stakeholders and their own Regional Forest Practices Committees. They will continue to analyze available research on the issue. And they will report back to the Board of Forestry in November. At that time, the board will set new deadlines for the next steps in the process.

At least some timberland owners argue that the standard is so high that the forestry department should ask DEQ to change it, but the board has rejected that idea. Instead, as it and its various partners consider creating new rules, economic costs will be part of that consideration. A viable timber industry is important to Oregon, and they recognize that fact, though they do admit the changes likely will cost something.

Striking a balance that keeps landowners relatively happy and streams cool won’t happen overnight. The state is best-served if the forestry board’s deliberate approach achieves that balance.