No operations at Acey Line Thin are expected for at least several months, while Tillamook officials try to gain community understanding and input on their new plan. They say, however, the thinning is necessary to create habitat for the threatened northern spotted owl.
Research shows owls nest in older trees with branches that provide cover from prey.
Thinning accelerates the growth of remaining trees. Local dialog is seen as key to implementing the long-range Northwest Oregon State Forests Management Plan passed in January by the Board of Forestry. ODF foresters in Tillamook see this particular sale as a pathway to begin local community input on the forest plan for the westside of the Tillamook State Forest. Although this timber sale preceded approval of the regional forest plan, it is aligned with the plan. We're hoping we can use the interest in this sale to focus attention on the proposed plan and make sure important issues are addressed.