Oregon’s forest protection laws

The Oregon Forest Practices Act* requires:

• Reforestation: Landowners must complete replanting within two years after harvest.  Within six years, the harvest area must be a healthy stand of trees that can outgrow competing grass and brush.
• Protection of water sources: Timber harvesting, road building and chemical use are restricted close to streams to protect fish and drinking water.
• Protection of wildlife habitat: Live trees, snags and fallen logs must be left after harvest to provide structure for wildlife habitat.
• Limits on clearcuts: A clearcut cannot be more than 120 acres. Clearcuts within 300 feet of each other cannot total more than 120 acres on the same ownership.