This bill amends the O&C Act to explicitly establish timber production as the primary purpose for O&C lands, emphasizing its role in generating revenues to support county government services. While timber production is primary, the bill also recognizes secondary purposes such as contributing to local economic stability, protecting watersheds, regulating water flow, providing recreational opportunities, and reducing the risk of catastrophic wildfires. The legislation mandates that the Secretary of the Interior meet or exceed Oregon's fire protection standards for O&C timberlands, requiring the Secretary to enter into agreements with the state and forest protective associations for this purpose. It also provides a specific definition for "timberlands" based on their timber-bearing capacity. To implement these changes, the bill requires the Secretary to revise all relevant resource management plans within two years of enactment, ensuring they align with the new primary purpose and timberland definition.
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Timeline
Introduced in House
Referred to the House Committee on Natural Resources.
Introduced in House
Referred to the House Committee on Natural Resources.
Public Lands and Natural Resources
O&C Renewal Act of 2026
USA119th CongressHR-7603| House
| Updated: 2/20/2026
This bill amends the O&C Act to explicitly establish timber production as the primary purpose for O&C lands, emphasizing its role in generating revenues to support county government services. While timber production is primary, the bill also recognizes secondary purposes such as contributing to local economic stability, protecting watersheds, regulating water flow, providing recreational opportunities, and reducing the risk of catastrophic wildfires. The legislation mandates that the Secretary of the Interior meet or exceed Oregon's fire protection standards for O&C timberlands, requiring the Secretary to enter into agreements with the state and forest protective associations for this purpose. It also provides a specific definition for "timberlands" based on their timber-bearing capacity. To implement these changes, the bill requires the Secretary to revise all relevant resource management plans within two years of enactment, ensuring they align with the new primary purpose and timberland definition.