Rep. Bentz Introduces O&C Renewal Act to restore timber production, support counties and curb wildfire risk
WASHINGTON (KTVZ) -- Rep. Cliff Bentz, R-Ore., introduced the O&C Renewal Act of 2026 on Tuesday in a bid to reaffirm timber production as the primary use of federal lands in western Oregon. He said the legislation seeks to restore sustained-yield forest management across more than 2 million acres of federal timberlands.
The bill amends the 1937 Oregon and California Lands Act to clarify that permanent timber production is the primary purpose of Oregon and California (O&C) lands. Revenue from these harvests is intended to fund county services, including schools, roads and public safety, while also aiming to reduce the risk of catastrophic wildfires, Bentz said in a news release.
Bentz said federal delays and the listing of the spotted owl have left these lands neglected.
"For decades, O&C counties depended on responsible timber harvests to fund schools, roads and essential services," he said. "Following the listing of the spotted owl and years of federal delays, these lands have become overgrown and neglected. This bill restores the clear intent of the 1937 law— that O&C lands are to be managed for sustained timber production that benefits rural communities while reducing wildfire risk."
The American Forest Resource Council expressed support for the measure as a way to improve forest health and support family-wage jobs. AFRC President Travis Joseph described the territory as some of the most productive forestlands in the world.
"Rep. Bentz’s legislation is common sense," Joseph said. "It reaffirms the law, restores balance and provides a clear path forward to improve forest health while supporting family-wage jobs and essential public services."
Local officials also supported the bill for its focus on historical legislative intent and responsible land management.
Tim Freeman, a Douglas County commissioner and president of the Association of O&C Counties, thanked Bentz for addressing the management of these specific timberlands.
"We believe the legislation clarifies the historical intent of the 1937 O&C Act," Freeman said. He added that the association looks forward to the bill helping the Bureau of Land Management manage the lands responsibly under sustained-yield principles.
Current management plans keep approximately 80% of O&C lands off-limits to sustained-yield timber production. This restriction has contributed to reduced timber supplies, mill closures and lost jobs in western Oregon. Bentz said the new act intends to provide a durable path forward to strengthen rural economies and protect local watersheds.
The legislation includes provisions to make O&C counties cooperating agencies in the planning process. It also maintains existing cooperative wildfire protection agreements between the federal government and the state of Oregon.
The O&C Renewal Act directs the Bureau of Land Management to modernize and finalize new Resource Management Plans within two years. These plans must ensure full compliance with the law.
