October 22, 2020 3:45 a.m.

A new website and upcoming virtual events offer a look at the potential for the Elliot State Research Forest and give residents an opportunity to provide feedback.

A release from the Oregon Department of State Lands, said in December of 2018 the State Land Board asked the department and Oregon State University to explore transforming the Elliot State Forest into a publicly owned research forest.

Over the past two years – with input from advisory committees, Tribes, state and local governments, stakeholders and the public – key elements of a research forest proposal have been drafted.

Draft proposal elements are available now on a new website: https://www.oregon.gov/dsl/Land/Pages/Elliott-Forest-Proposal.aspx

The draft elements include:

*OSU’s approach to research, including the research design that will guide future experiments and management of the forest

*OSU’s commitments to a research forest that supports conservation, recreation, education and local and regional economies

*OSU’s commitments to public accountability in forest decision-making and governance, as well as a proposed governance structure

*How OSU will financially support the proposed research forest

DSL and OSU are hosting six virtual events via Zoom in late October and early November. Two public forums and four drop-in events. These will offer ways to learn about the proposal, ask questions and provide feedback. Event links and additional information are available at: https://www.oregon.gov/dsl/Land/Pages/Elliott-Forest-Proposal.aspx

The Elliot State Forest is located in Douglas and Coos counties.