Symposium focuses on the future of the Northwest Forest Plan

Developed in 1994, the Northwest Forest Plan was the first ecosystem management plan in the nation. The plan took a holistic approach to forest management and was scientifically sound, ecologically credible, and legally responsible; this compromise was intended to conserve endangered species, restore water quality, protect rare habitats, and produce a predictable supply of timber to support the socioeconomic needs of communities.

While the plan was extremely innovative at the time, it did not sufficiently consider some important issues we now face, including the effects of global climate change and the role of tribes and Indigenous knowledge in land management. 

The Northwest Forest Plan Just Futures Group, comprised of several UO units in coalition with undergraduate and community organizations, is working to highlight tribal inclusion and environmental justice in the Northwest Forest Plan amendment process. This management plan could shape federal land management across the Pacific Northwest for decades. The draft environmental impact statement was released in November and the comment period will end in early February. 

The group considers this a crucial time to bring forth its academic expertise and to highlight humanities contributions to the public discourse on forest management. They will present a symposium “Amplifying Tribal Inclusion and Environmental Justice in Federal Land Management” on Wednesday, January 22, 2025, 12–5 p.m. in the EMU Redwood Auditorium. Speakers will include Cristina Eisenberg, Director of Tribal Initiatives in Natural Resources, Oregon State University; aparna rajagopal, writer and activist; and Ryan Reed (Karuk, Hupa, and Yurok), Program Director of Fire Generation Collaborative. 

The symposium is cosponsored by the OHC’s Endowment for Public Outreach in the Arts, Sciences, and Humanities. Information: Sarah Wald, sdwald@uoregon.edu