If you’re in the market for property with timber—or already own some—you may have seen headlines this week about a new federal push to increase logging on public lands. The executive orders, signed by former President Trump and reinstated under a new legal interpretation, aim to boost timber production in national forests, including those in Oregon.
🔗 Read the full article on OregonLive
I’ll leave the politics to others—but I do think this is worth watching if you’re looking at land with timber.
Supporters of the move say it’s a win-win: a way to promote forest health, reduce wildfire risk, and support the timber industry. Critics argue it prioritizes extraction over conservation and could lead to long-term damage on public lands.
As someone who works directly with buyers interested in rural and forested properties, here are a few ways this development could matter:
🪵 Key Takeaways for Buyers & Landowners
- More federal timber sales on the horizon? These orders may open up more logging opportunities on public lands, which could influence supply, demand, and pricing for timber in Oregon.
- Forest management and wildfire prevention: Thinning overgrown forests could help reduce catastrophic wildfire risk—but there’s debate over how, where, and when it should be done.
- Policy changes and uncertainty: As with any federal initiative, these policies could shift depending on court rulings, elections, or new environmental reviews.
🏡 What to Keep in Mind
Whether you’re looking to build a cabin, invest in timber, or simply find a quiet spot surrounded by trees, here are some smart questions to ask:
- What kind of timber is on the land? Is there a cruise available?
- Is the property zoned or eligible for forest management or tax deferral programs?
- Are there local, state, or federal restrictions that could affect future use or harvesting?
- How might broader market conditions or federal policy changes impact long-term value?
Buying rural land is about more than just the view—it’s about understanding what’s possible, what’s allowed, and what might change.
If you’re thinking about purchasing property with timber in Oregon, I’m happy to help you explore your options and make sure you have the right information before you buy.
Let’s connect if you want to talk land, lifestyle, or long-term goals.