State forests are highly valued as wildlife habitat, protection of viable watersheds for fish and drinking water, and places to hike, camp, fish, picnic or seek peace and quiet. Yet, the Oregon Department of Forestry manages our public state forests more like industrial timber tracts rather than for healthy ecosystems. Oregonians are deeply concerned about the practice of steep-slope clear cuts near salmon habitat streams and drinking water sources and spraying pesticides on clear cuts. Pesticides do not stay in one place. Toxic residues can travel for miles as vapors or droplets on wind currents. Pesticides known to harm people and fish can make their way into streams from run-off and deposition. Our state forests should be managed sustainably for carbon storage, clean rivers and streams, wildlife habitat and diverse tree and plant ecosystems.

Beyond Toxics has worked directly with impacted communities who believe that the Oregon Department of Forestry is not doing enough to protect their drinking water sources, their air and the forest ecosystem that rural economies depend upon. Neither is the Agency doing enough to prevent erosion, landslides and ecosystem decline. We involve rural communities to work with us gathering the necessary data, mapping and analysis to make the case for forest management that prioritizes clean water, carbon storage and drawdown, safe communities and vibrant ecosystems for the next generations of Oregonians.

This fall, we have compiled and presented our findings about the Department of Forestry's herbicide application practices in watersheds that provide essential fish habitat and crucial drinking water sources. See our most recent presentations to the Oregon Board of Forestry below.