From The Oregonian Letters
The Aug. 21 guest column "Private timber of public concern" argues that the timber harvest on private lands represents a boon to "some" individuals. That's an understatement of epic proportions.
Despite the recession, the forest sector is a significant employer. In 2009, the sector directly employed more than 47,000 Oregonians. These are people who grow the trees, protect streams and wildlife habitat, harvest timber and manufacture and sell forest products. Collectively, these folks earned more than $2 billion.
The sector pays an average wage of $43,952, which is 8 percent more than the state's average wage of $40,742. When one factors in both direct and indirect jobs, the forest sector makes up about 8.5 percent of Oregon's total payroll, which is a lot more than "some."
MIKE CLOUGHESY
Newberg
Cloughesy is director of forestry with the Oregon Forest Resources Institute.
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