Recently, we tried something new.

We launched a video series featuring bipartisan legislators
from the valley to the coast – talking about common ground solutions to carbon
storage, mitigating wildfire risk, supporting our timber industry, and getting
our electorate more engaged in the political process – beyond Election Day.

The series is called “Pushing Past
Politics.”

And, with the divisive 2022 election cycle now moving into
the rearview mirror, that’s exactly what we hope our new crop of state
legislators and Governor-elect Kotek can strive to do.

After tense races in several toss-up districts, the
political landscape in Oregon is coming into focus even though some races are
still too close to call. You can find the most up-to-date election results from
The Oregonian.

In 2023, it’s looking like Democrats will maintain
majorities in the state Legislature. However, in both chambers, they won’t have
a supermajority (which allows them to pass taxes without bipartisan support) –
and given the tight nature of the gubernatorial race, it’s clear that
Oregonians are hungry for more balance in Salem.

Now that the dust is settling, we expect this next
Legislature to take up rational policies that help improve our forestry
industry. We’ll be there to cheer them on, or raise concerns, as they debate
the issues during the 2023 session and beyond. We know you’ll be right there
with us.

While we don’t have a crystal ball, there are some evergreen
policies that we know will come up next year: Protecting water quality, fully
funding our state’s firefighters and recovery efforts, curbing the state’s
carbon emissions, and more.

With record turnover in the state Legislature, we also have
a once-in-a-generation opportunity to educate our elected leaders on forestry
policy. We don’t want to miss this moment.

You are one of more than 50,000 (and growing!) Oregon
Forests Forever advocates. Together, we will make sure this next Legislature
knows our issues, and supports our industry. Keep an eye out for a virtual
legislative preview and advocacy training before the 2023 session.

Our forestry community is no stranger to rolling up our
sleeves and getting the work done.

It’s time to act.