The Oregon Department of Forestry is seeking public input about a property acquisition that could incorporate 29,000 acres into the Gilchrist State Forest.

The 60-day public comment period began Nov. 5 and will close Jan. 3. A public hearing will be Dec. 5 in Klamath Falls, according to an ODF press release.

The proposed acquisition includes a 3,000-acre parcel privately owned by Central Oregon Land Holdings and a 25,453-acre parcel owned by the Conservation Fund, the press release said. Both properties are adjacent to the Gilchrist State Forest.

The Conservation Fund property was acquired as a series of purchases between 2008 and 2010 as part of an agreement with ODF to purchase the property when funds became available, said Tony Anderson, public information officer for the ODF.  “The Conservation Fund owned the land and they partnered with us with the understanding that when we had the money, they would sell it to us,” Anderson said.

Evan Smith, vice president for conservation ventures at The Conservation Fund, Smith said in 2010 a lease-and-option agreement was signed that allocated property management between the two entities. “In this case we leased the property back to the ODF so they have responsibility for it and control of how it’s managed. The Conservation Fund pays the fire protection and property tax,” Smith said.

From Jefferson Public Radio: https://ijpr.org/post/gilchrist-state-forest-may-expand-29000-acres