Wyden hopes for fall vote on forest bill

Wyden, D-Ore., said the plant, a major employer in the county, is a world-class operation. Talking to reporters, he emphasized the importance of the wood products industry to the community and region.

Wyden, who chairs the Senate’s Subcommittee on Public Lands and Forests, said the bill is written in a way that pleases both the wood  products industry and environmental groups who often oppose timber sales on national forests.

“We’ve got the first ever agreement between timber and environmental interests to end these timber wars,” he said.

Wyden said the bill has had two hearings, one in Washington, D.C., and one in Bend.

“I hope to get action on it right when we get back to Washington,” he said.

At the press conference, Wyden was sided by Boise Cascade Inland Region Manager Tom Insko, who has testified in favor of the bill. Insko said he is grateful for Wyden’s efforts.

“I appreciate his tenacity,” Insko said. “I’ve been working with his office on a shift in what’s happening that will create jobs and address forest health.”

Others taking the tour and attending the session downtown included Eastern Oregon University President Bob Davies, University Foundation President Jim McMahan and EOU Student Body President Jennifer Forbus.

Davies talked about the university’s efforts to revive the Regional Services Institute, a collaborative program between the university, local governments and various civic organizations.

Originally created by former  University President David Gilbert, the program was funded in part by a grant from the U.S. Economic Development Administration.

Grant funding ran short, and the program isn’t all it can be, Davies said.

“We’re working hard to bring it back,” he said.

Wyden said he is helping with the effort.

“I’m working with President Davies in the un-wrinkling department,” he said.