Our land used wisely

One of the best things about Oregon is that you are never far from a forest. Even in urban centers trees abound, either in our backyards or just a few minutes away, and that’s no accident. In 1973, the Oregon Legislature approved the Oregon Land Use Act, which requires all cities and counties to adopt comprehensive land use plans to address: 

• Conservation of natural resources
• Development
• Housing
• Land use
• Transportation

The program’s mission is to:

• Conserve farmland, forestland, coastal resources and other important natural resources
• Coordinate planning activities of different agencies
• Encourage efficient development
• Enhance the state’s economy
• Reduce the public costs from poorly planned development

The Oregon Land Use Act’s goal is to preserve forested land for forest uses. Conserving forestland protects it as a resource for the state economy, a recreational outlet for the public and a resource for fertile soil, clean air and abundant fish and wildlife habitats.