“Elliott” Will Benefit OSU, Public

Governor Kate Brown signed a bill Tuesday April 12, creating the Elliott State Research Forest. The Elliott, northeast of Coos Bay, was established as Oregon’s first State Forest in 1930. Oregon Secretary of State Shemia Fagan said it was an honor to be involved in striking the deal with the Department of State Lands and the Legislature.

“To have North America’s largest world-class research forest right here in Oregon, providing opportunities to understand and combat climate chaos that is threatening the livelihood of our planet and our future generations.

Most of the Elliott’s 91,000-acres is “Common School Fund” land. While the land will remain publicly owned, Oregon State University will manage research through its School of Forestry. OSU Provost Ed Feser said the framework elevates the Elliott as an asset for Oregon.

“An extraordinary resource that will serve Oregon’s environment and its economy. A research forest with the scale and diversity of the Elliott is unique in the United States and it’s rare in the world.”

Governor Kate Brown said the plan maintains public access, protects the Elliott’s diverse habitats and makes a significant financial contribution to education through the state’s common school fund.

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