Counties could reclaim forestland from state under bill: SOCAN testimony quoted

SALEM — County governments could reclaim forestlands they donated to the state decades ago under a bill that environmental groups fear will weaken water and wildlife protections.

Opponents claim Senate Bill 795, which applies to more than 700,000 acres in 15 counties — including Jackson County — is out of step with a landmark legal precedent that recently affirmed the state’s authority over forestry decisions.

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