Association News

Congress Passes Western Oregon Tribal Fairness Act 

AFRC reported that Congress sent H.R. 1306, the Western Oregon Tribal Fairness Act to President Trump for his signature. The bipartisan bill sponsored by Congressman DeFazio and cosponsored by Congressman Walden contains three separate titles, each with important implications to forest management in Western Oregon. 

Title I will place approximately 17,519 acres of public land in Oregon in trust for the benefit of the Cow Creek Band of the Umpqua Tribe. A substantial amount of this acreage is currently part of the statutorily unique O&C Lands managed by the BLM. The Secretary of the Interior will be required to reclassify an equal amount of public domain land as O&C Lands to ensure “no net loss” in total O&C acreage.

Title II will place approximately 14,742 acres of public land in trust for the benefit of the Confederated Tribes of the Coos, Lower Umpqua, and Siuslaw Indians. A large portion of the designated acreage is currently part of the O&C Lands managed by the BLM. Identical to Title I, the bill requires the secretary to reclassify an equal amount of public domain lands as O&C Lands located in the vicinity of the land conveyed to the tribe.

Title III of H.R. 1306 clarifies that management of Coquille Forest in Coos County, Oregon, must be on equal footing with all other federally recognized tribes. Currently, management of the Coquille Tribe’s forest lands is subject to the standards and guidelines of nearby and adjacent forest plans — including the Northwest Forest Plan.

AFRC offers its congratulations to the Cow Creek Umpqua Tribe, the Confederated Tribes of the Coos, Lower Umpqua, and Siuslaw Indians, the Coquille Tribe, and the Oregon Congressional Delegation for a major legislative victory. 

AF&PA Identifies Top 2018 Advocacy Priorities

The American Forest & Paper Association (AF&PA) announced its top 2018 advocacy priorities that include free and fair trade, transportation efficiencies, regulatory process reforms, and government policies that respect market dynamics for paper-based products. The association will pursue them as it supports the pulp, paper, packaging, and wood products industry’s ability to grow the economy and create American manufacturing jobs.

“Enactment of historic comprehensive tax reform sets a welcome stage for AF&PA to focus on key 2018 advocacy priorities that will further our industry’s ability to boost the economy and create jobs and opportunity for all Americans,” said AF&PA President and CEO Donna Harman. “Free and fair trade policy, efficient transportation measures, systemic regulatory process reforms, and policies that respect market place competition and consumer choice for paper-based products rank high on our list. We are eager to continue working with the Administration and Congress and state governments to advance shared goals that will open the door for our companies to invest, innovate, and compete at home and around the globe. With more than 900,000 employees in rural and urban communities across 45 states, we are one of the largest manufacturing sectors in the nation with an ability to thrive with the support of forward-thinking public policy.”