The State of Oregon has come up with a value for a forest in Southern Oregon that it wants to sell.
The Elliott State Forest is worth two-hundred and twenty-one million dollars, according to the Oregon Department of State Lands. That figure is based in part on appraisals by three independent firms.
The Oregon Constitution requires the state to produce revenue from its forests for the Common School Fund. The state says requirements to protect wildlife like steelhead and northern spotted owls means logging the Elliott is no longer a feasible option.
Now that the state has decided on a value for the Elliott, potential buyers will know how much they have to pay. The state has a list of criteria that potential buyers must meet. They include protecting older forest stands and watersheds, ensuring public recreation, and providing at least 40 jobs annually for the next decade.
Prospective buyers have until November 15th to submit their purchase plans.
Copyright 2016 KLCC
