18 Oregon Counties Will Benefit from a $27.7 Million Cash Injection to Expand American Timber Production

President Donald Trump’s vision of expanding American timber production is breathing renewed life into Oregon’s lagging industry with a cash injection of $27.7 million to 18 western counties.

Oregon Timber Revenues Have Been on the Decline

Timber was once the lifeblood of this U.S. state. However, production revenues have declined in recent years because of a combination of factors – increased competition from overseas competitors and environmental regulations, particularly those surrounding the protection of the Northern spotted owl and other species on the endangered list – all leading to reductions in timber harvests.

Yesterday, the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) for Oregon and Washington announced in a news release that it has distributed $27,784,986 to 18 western Oregon states as part of its commitment to provide a ‘reliable, secure, and resilient domestic supply of timber.’

The Money Will Help Create More Jobs and Support Local Communities

The much-needed cash injection will help provide more jobs and support local communities.

Oregon forests are among the most productive in the world and the BLM manages 2.4 million acres of forestland in western Oregon counties.

The three counties receiving the lion’s share of the $27,7 million are Douglas, $6,909,653; Jackson, $4,300,467; and Lane, $4,190,691.

The funding, generated from timber harvests on public lands, will provide local communities with the means to construct new buildings, flood-control dams and reservoirs, support schools, libraries, and jails, and provide emergency response services.

The BLM’s timber program generates $1 billion for local communities, supports 2,000 jobs, and contributes to wildfire protection services, lowering energy production costs and improving the sustainability of wildfire and fish habitats.