Fact Checking Oregon’s Timber Harvest Debate

Senator Ron Wyden (D-Oregon) has proposed a bill that could double harvests on more than two million acres of federal forests across Western Oregon. The timber management conversation has also spread to the state’s gubernatorial campaign.

1 minute read

February 23, 2014, 1:00 PM PST

By James Brasuell @CasualBrasuell


With a recent bill by Senator Ron Wyden (D-Oregon) to expand forest management in Western Oregon as context, the Oregonian’s PolitiFact recently waded into the conversation about how best to manage the state’s forests by examining recent claims by Gordon Challstrom, a Medford businessman and Republican gubernatorial candidate.

Specifically in question are Challstrom’s claims that "Oregon and the federal government now have more than one million acres of burnt land and millions of trees being left to rot."

In the process of fact checking Challstrom’s statement, the article reveals a lot of information about Oregon’s forests and some of the methods in place to measure the impacts of forest fires.

Saturday, February 22, 2014 in The Oregonian

Young Professional

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching. Mary G., Urban and Environmental Planner

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching.

Mary G., Urban and Environmental Planner

Get top-rated, practical training for planners

"Planetizen federal action tracker" logo superimposed over black and white image of US Capitol dome.

Planetizen Federal Action Tracker

A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.

October 7, 2026 - Zachary Whalen

The mayor of Baltimore speaks into a microphone in front of a rally for more state transportation funding from Maryland.

‘Going backwards:’ Baltimore mayor, students rally against state's transit funding plan

Maryland's proposed six-year plan provides no funding for Baltimore’s BMORE bus program and reduces its road maintenance funding.

October 2, 2026 - Baltimore Sun

A rendering of the waterfront development, which shows a lit-up stage by the waterfront and people walking about.

Detroit to transform waterfront with $2.2 billion investment

Developers will convert about 18 acres of unused parking lot space into civic spaces.

October 2, 2026 - ABC 7

A woman in the snowy woods wraps two children in blankets.

U.S.-Iran war may have ‘devastating’ impact on cost to warm homes

Vermont and Maine residents may see a 76% increase in the cost of warming their homes this winter.

October 9 - Grist

Construction worker uses a power saw to cut through metal.

Senate bill would ‘overhaul’ environmental permitting laws

Under the proposed act, government agencies would also not be able to suspend or rescind permits after granting them.

October 9 - Smart Cities Dive

A person crossing the street between two residential buildings in NYC.

Exemption applications for NYC’s pied-à-terre tax see 55% success rate

The city sent nearly 40% of its initial pied-à-terre tax warnings erroneously.

October 9 - The City Reporter