As residents of the great state of Oregon, concerned citizens of Josephine County, we are protective of our mature growth forests around the rural community of Williams, Oregon. Many mature growth forest parcels located in the Williams Community Watershed are up for auction by Josephine County Commissioners on November 14th, 2024. These forest properties, if purchased by private logging corporations, will almost certainly be decimated by clearcutting. 

These forest properties are not just expanses of timber; they are the home of diverse native wildlife and salmon, our source of clean ground and surface water, and are unique recreational areas that provide economic and quality of life value. Already affected by drought and the looming threat of forest fires, the sale and subsequent clearcutting of these forests will significantly exacerbate these challenges, decrease property values, and destroy the quality of life for us residents.

Moreover, the destruction of woodland trails, and increase in logging truck traffic, will leave lasting clear cutting scars on our community and surrounding backyards. We must not allow our stunning environment to disappear beneath short sighted exploitation of mature forests.

We are demanding that the Commissioners withdraw the Josephine County parcels from the Auction. Instead, these parcels should be sold to responsible parties such as The Conservation Fund, who can ensure their conservation and protection in partnership with the community. It is time to prioritize the well-being of the community and the voice of this community. Join us in this important plea to conserve our mature growth forests, our home. Please sign this petition. Take a Stand to Save Our Public Land. 

Here is a flyover of the parcels up for auction so you can see the scope and scale of the sale, forests, watersheds, and impacts to community. 

• Diminished Water Quality and Supply : Clear-cutting is proven to devastate groundwater and surface water sources, impacting water quality and quantity for residents, fishing habitat, and agricultural water rights.
• Increased Fire Risk: Without responsible management, deforested areas radiate heat, followed by tree plantations that increase the risk of wildfire, threatening our homes, farms, and forests.
• Destruction of Wildlife & Hunting Habitats: This valley is rare, as is all of Southern Oregon. Home to deer, salmon, bears, and countless species that make this land rare and special. Losing these habitats would be catastrophic.
• Reduction in Property Values and Sustainable Economics: Our valley’s population is growing. Many of these parcels are directly adjacent to private property. Quality of life given increase in logging truck traffic, loss of trails, and views caused by clear cutting scars would have direct impacts on our economy.  

Learn more at Williams Community Forest Project