As part of a continued conversation with the public about the planning effort in western Oregon, the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) is hosting four community listening sessions to lay the foundation for constructive dialogue by sharing information and listening to initial thoughts and concerns about key natural resources and forest management issues in western Oregon. The Resource Management Plans (RMP) for Western Oregon project covers 2.5 million acres in western Oregon in a checkerboard diverse landscape with multiple interests. The BLM is preparing the RMPs to meet the social, cultural, economic, needs of western Oregon. Many people care about these lands and how they are being used. Whether it's where you live, work, or recreate; it's your backyard. The BLM recognizes that we need the public input on these complex forestry challenges in western Oregon. We want to integrate public values and perspectives into the planning process. We're inviting you to join the dialogue to find solutions to the challenges that will ultimately result in predictable outcomes. “The community listening sessions are designed to hear from the people in western Oregon and listen to their reactions and thoughts on key issues such as timber production, endangered species conservation and recovery, protection of old growth forests, and providing clean water," explains Jerome Perez, BLM State Director for Oregon. “It's important that we connect with our communities and have a constructive dialogue about these key issues."
The Community Listening Sessions will include BLM updates on the planning process and how it relates to the key issues being discussed. Attendees will then have a chance to share their input with the BLM and each other through small group discussions. The event will conclude with identified future opportunities to stay involved. The meetings will occur:
* Dec. 3, 2013 at 5 p.m. -- 8 p.m. in Corvallis at the Siuslaw National Forest Office
* Dec. 10, 2013 at 4 p.m. -- 7 p.m. in Medford at the Jackson County Fairgrounds
* Dec. 11, 2013 at 5 p.m. -- 8 p.m. in Coos Bay at the North Bend Public Library
* Dec. 18, 2013 at 5 p.m. -- 8 p.m. in Roseburg at the Douglas County Fairgrounds
Doors will open 30 minutes in advance. All are encouraged to attend a community listening session. More listening session information is at blm.gov/or/plans/rmpswesternoregon/meetings.php with up to date times, locations, and an easy RSVP option to secure your spot in one of the public meetings.
Source: U.S. Department of the Interior, Bureau of Land Management
