Salem, Ore. – The Oregon Department of Forestry is holding three public hearings in April in Forest Grove, Roseburg and Klamath Falls to get public input on proposed changes to rules protecting bald eagles.
With its population having rebounded from steep declines in the 20th century, both the federal government and Oregon have delisted the bald eagle as a threatened species. Protections for bald eagles under federal laws will continue to be enforced by the federal government.
The hearings will start at 4:30 p.m. on the dates and locations below:
* April 19 — 3200 Delap Rd. in Klamath Falls
* April 27 — 1758 NE Airport Rd. in Roseburg
* May 2 — 801 Gales Creek Rd. in Forest Grove
The proposed rule changes would rescind laws restricting timber harvests near bald eagle roosting and foraging sites. Rules protecting bald eagle nesting sites have also been modified and would be placed into existing rules protecting bird species sensitive to disturbance.
The Department plans to submit the proposed rules and a summary of public comments received during the comment period to the Board of Forestry at the board’s July meeting. Board members will use this information to decide whether to approve the proposed rulemaking package. If approved, the new rules would have an anticipated effective date of Sept. 1.
The public can access the proposed rules at the office of the state forester in Salem or online at www.oregon.gov/ODF/AboutODF/Pages/ProposedLawsRules.aspx
The public is invited to comment on whether other options should be considered for achieving the rule’s substantive goals while reducing the negative economic impact of the rule on business. Written comments must be received by 5 p.m. on May 15. Send them to:
Private Forest Bald Eagle Rulemaking
Oregon Department of Forestry
2600 State St.
Salem, OR 97310
Comments may also be emailed to privateforests.publiccomments@oregon.gov
