I appreciate the time committee members are taking to hear some of the concerns from neighbors and the public in regards to the planning of the forests future.

Cutting down forests so more trees can be planted results in loss of habitat and species; an increase in air pollution and the release of carbon into the atmosphere—which contributes to global climate change. Realizing some trees in the forest will be cut for revenue I hope Oregon State would prioritize ecological values, research, and education. When trees are removed my hope is OSU would think outside the box to come up with better ways than slash burning to remove the woody debris generated by the logging. Slash burning is often the most economic solution however OSU does have an article written by Amy Grotta explaining other options. (And maybe the forestry club could help with the clean up?)

Living in the Soap Creek Valley for almost 35 years I have another concern regarding OSU’s practice of chemical spraying in forests and pastures. Did you realize Soap Creek Valley has a cancer cluster? We have/had neighbors that have developed breast cancer, brain cancer, blood cancer, lung cancer, gall bladder cancer, bladder cancer and bone cancer. We are nestle between OSU and Starker forests, both of which spray deadly chemicals to control weeds. To prove spraying of these chemicals lead to some of these illness would be very difficult. However, I would hope OSU again would think outside the box in regards to spraying. Oregon State University is a research forest, please research into safer practices that would not harm their neighbors or the creatures that call the forest their home.

Thank you for this opportunity to voice a couple of my concerns.