OR BHA's O&C Lands Recommendations

The following letter and map was sent to Senator Ron Wyden on 8/14/13, in response to efforts to improve management on the Bureau of Land Management O&C Lands.  For further explanation of BHA's position on the management of BLM O&C lands, click here.  A full sized version of the map can be found here, or by clicking on the image below.

Dear Senator Wyden,

The attached map is a rough draft depicting high value areas as identified by members of Backcountry Hunters & Anglers for the expansion or enhancement of wild lands, and hunting opportunities within the O&C complex.

In general, BHA supports increased timber harvest as a means of improving forage for wildlife, as well as creating jobs, and providing revenue for cash strapped communities. But implicit in the definition of “sustained yield” must be a provision for ensuring that habitat is not sacrificed as a result of timber management practices. Therefore, BHA makes the following recommendations for inclusion in the O&C bill:

*That open road densities be reduced in affected areas to provide for the security of elk, deer, and other wildlife.

*That all motorized vehicles be restricted to designated routes only.

Thank you for your work on this important legislation and thank you for allowing us to have a voice in this process.

We look forward to meeting with you on August 26 in Bend and will answer any questions you may have.

Sincerely,

Ed Putnam – Co-Chair, Oregon

Brian Jennings – Sportsmen’s Outreach Coordinator - Oregon