Bentz Introduces O&C Renewal Act
Proposal Seeks to Reaffirm Timber Production on Federal Lands in Western Oregon
Congressman Cliff Bentz (R-OR2)
WASHINGTON, D.C. — Congressman Cliff Bentz (R-OR) has introduced the O&C Renewal Act of 2026, legislation that would amend the 1937 Oregon and California Lands Act to reaffirm sustained timber production as the primary purpose of Oregon & California (O&C) lands in western Oregon.
The proposal applies to more than two million acres of federally managed timberlands overseen by the Bureau of Land Management. According to Bentz, the bill seeks to restore what he describes as the original congressional intent of managing the lands under the principle of sustained yield — a forestry practice designed to balance timber harvest levels with long-term forest productivity.
“For decades, O&C counties depended on responsible timber harvests to fund schools, roads, and essential services,” Bentz said in a statement. “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.”
Revenue and County Support
Under the proposal, revenues generated from timber harvests would continue to be distributed to O&C counties to support schools, public safety, roads, and other local government services. Supporters argue that reaffirming timber production could provide increased financial stability for counties that historically relied on timber receipts.
The legislation also directs the Bureau of Land Management to modernize and finalize updated Resource Management Plans within two years to align with the clarified purpose of the lands. O&C counties would be included as cooperating agencies during the planning process, and existing cooperative wildfire protection agreements with the State of Oregon would remain in place.
Support from Industry and County Officials
Travis Joseph, President of the American Forest Resource Council, expressed support for the bill.
“The O&C Lands are some of the most productive forestlands in the world, and they were set aside by Congress to be actively managed for the benefit of local communities,” Joseph said. “Representative Bentz’s legislation is common sense. 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.”
Douglas County Commissioner Tim Freeman, President of the Association of O&C Counties, also voiced support.
“We believe the legislation clarifies the historical intent of the 1937 O&C Act,” Freeman said. “We appreciate the time Congressman Bentz has dedicated to understanding these uniquely congressionally designated timberlands and look forward to this bill becoming law to help the Bureau of Land Management manage these lands reasonably and responsibly under the principles of sustained yield.”
Current Management and Next Steps
Supporters of the legislation state that current management plans place approximately 80 percent of O&C lands outside sustained-yield timber production, which they argue has contributed to reduced timber supply, mill closures, job losses, declining county revenues, and elevated wildfire risk across western Oregon.
The O&C Renewal Act would reaffirm timber production as the primary land-use objective under sustained-yield principles while directing updated planning to guide long-term management.
The legislation has been introduced in the U.S. House of Representatives and will move through the federal legislative process in the coming months.
