House hearing held on bill to have Oregon Dept. of Forestry lease and manage Ochoco National Forest

 SALEM, Ore. (KTVZ) -- The Oregon House Committee on Climate held a hearing Friday on House Bill 3846. It creates a pilot program that would allow the Oregon Department of Forestry to enter into a lease agreement with the federal government for at least 15 years to manage the Ochoco National Forest.

“The overarching fact in Oregon around federal lands is very clear: The federal government has mismanaged our forests, causing major wildfires, roads being locked up and lost recreational opportunities that destroy local economies. Simply put, they have lost their way; and therefore have lost the right to manage our forests,” said Rep. Breese Iverson (R-Prineville), who introduced the legislation and is one of its sponsors.

House Bill 3846, a one-page bill, only has until next Wednesday, April 9th to move forward this legislative session before falling victim to the first chamber deadline.

“Too many of our megafires are starting on federal land and burning up our rural communities," Breese Iverson said. "If we can manage the forests, we will get control of the fires. We cannot afford them, nor should we have to.”

A representative of the Oregon Cattlemen’s Association was among those who testified in support of the bill, while opponents included Central Oregon LandWatch and Oregon Wild.

A representative of Breese Iverson said the Forest Service did not testify at Friday's hearing. KTVZ News has reached out to the Ochoco National Forest for any comment or statement.

Rep. Vikki Breese Iverson represents House District 59, which includes Crook County and parts of Deschutes and Jefferson counties.