WASHINGTON, D.C– Today, Congressman Cliff Bentz (R-OR) introduced the O&C Renewal Act of 2026, legislation to reaffirm timber production as the primary purpose of Oregon & California (O&C) lands and restore responsible, sustained-yield forest management across more than two million acres of federal timberlands in western Oregon.
The bill amends the 1937 Oregon and California Lands Act to clarify that permanent timber production under the principle of sustained yield is the primary purpose of O&C lands. Revenues generated from responsible timber harvests are intended to directly support county governments and fund schools, roads, public safety, and other essential services, while sustaining rural jobs, improving forest health, and reducing the risk of catastrophic wildfire. The legislation restores O&C lands to healthier, more resilient forest conditions while providing long-term economic stability for Oregon’s timber industry.
“For decades, O&C counties depended on responsible timber harvests to fund schools, roads, and essential services,” said Congressman Bentz. “Following the listing of the spotted owl and years of federal delays, these lands have become overgrown and neglected. This bill restores the clear intent of the 1937 law— that O&C lands are to be managed for sustained timber production that benefits rural communities while reducing wildfire risk.”
“The O&C Lands are some of the most productive forestlands in the world, and they were set aside by Congress to be actively managed for the benefit of local communities,” said AFRC President Travis Joseph.“Representative Bentz’s legislation is common sense. It reaffirms the law, restores balance, and provides a clear path forward to improve forest health while supporting family-wage jobs and essential public services.”
“The Association of O&C Counties thanks Congressman Bentz for introducing this bill. We believe the legislation clarifies the historical intent of the 1937 O&C Act. We appreciate the time Congressman Bentz has dedicated to understanding these uniquely congressionally designated timberlands and look forward to this bill becoming law to help the Bureau of Land Management manage these lands reasonably and responsibly under the principles of sustained yield,” said Douglas County Commissioner and Association of O&C Counties (AOCC) President Tim Freeman.
Additional Information:
The O&C Renewal Act directs the Bureau of Land Management to modernize and finalize new Resource Management Plans within two years to ensure compliance with the law, includes O&C counties as cooperating agencies in the planning process, and maintains proven cooperative wildfire protection agreements with the State of Oregon.
Current management plans effectively place roughly 80 percent of O&C lands off-limits to sustained-yield timber production, contributing to reduced timber supply, mill closures, lost jobs, declining county revenues, and increased wildfire risk across western Oregon.
By reaffirming congressional intent and requiring active, responsible forest management, the O&C Renewal Act provides clarity, certainty, and a durable path forward for O&C land management. The legislation strengthens rural economies, protects communities and watersheds, supports family-wage jobs, and ensures these federally designated timberlands once again serve the people and counties they were intended to benefit.
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